"J* 

•if 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0 


I.I 


b;|2^  12.5 

1^    11112.2 


?  "-  IIIIIM 

1.8 


—    6" 


11-25  11111.4   ii.6 


V] 


v: 


7 


^ 


Sciences 
Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


CIHM/ICMH 
Microfiche 


CIHIVI/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


;\ 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  best 
original  copy  available  for  filming.  Features  of  this 
copy  which  may  be  bibliographically  unique, 
which  may  alter  any  of  the  images  in  the 
reproduction,  or  which  may  significantly  change 
the  usual  method  of  filming,  are  checked  below. 


D 

D 
D 
D 

n 

D 
D 
D 

D 

D 


D 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 

Covers  damaged/ 
Couverture  endommagie 

Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaurie  et/ou  pellicul6e 

Cover  title  missing/ 

Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 

Coloured  maps/ 

Cartes  g6ographiques  en  couleur 

Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 

Coloured  plates  ard/or  illustrations/ 
Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 

Bound  with  other  material/ 
Reli6  avec  d'autres  documents 

Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

La  reliure  serr^e  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
distortion  le  long  de  la  marge  intdrieure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
appear  within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  these 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajouties 
lors  d'une  restauration  apparaissent  dans  le  texte, 
mais,  lorsque  cela  6tait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  4tA  filmies. 

Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  supplimentaires: 


L'Institut  a  microfilm^  le  meilleur  exemplaire 
qu'il  lui  a  6t6  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  details 
de  cet  exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-Atre  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographique,  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  mdthode  normale  de  filmage 
sont  indiquis  ci-dassous. 


□    Coloured  pages/ 
Pages  de  couleur 


y 


Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagies 


I      I    Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 


D 


Pages  restaur^es  et/ou  peiliculies 

Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxe< 
Pages  ddcolories,  tacheties  ou  piqu6es 

Pages  detached/ 
Pages  d6tach6es 

Showthrough/ 
Transparence 

Quality  of  prir 

Qualiti  inigale  de  I'impression 

Includes  supplementary  materii 
Comprend  du  materiel  supplimentaire 

Only  edition  available/ 
Seule  Edition  disponible 


r~7]  Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 

I      I  Pages  detached/ 

I      I  Showthrough/ 

I      I  Quality  of  print  varies/ 

I      I  Includes  supplementary  material/ 

j      I  Only  edition  available/ 


Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc.,  have  been  refilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
I.es  pages  totalement  ou  partiellement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata,  une  pelure, 
etc.,  ont  6t6  filmies  it  nouvsau  de  fapon  A 
obtenir  la  mailleura  image  possible. 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  do.^'jment  est  filmA  au  taux  de  reduction  indiquA  ci-dessous. 

10X  14X  18X  22X 


26X 


30X 


12X 

16X 

20X 

24X 

28X 

32X 

The  copy  filmed  here  has  been  reproduced  thanks 
to  the  generosity  of: 

University  of  Victoria 
IVIcPherson  Library 

The  images  appearing  here  are  the  best  quality 
possible  considering  the  condition  and  legibility 
of  the  original  copy  and  in  keeping  with  the 
filming  contract  specifications. 


L'exemplaire  film6  fut  reproduit  grdce  d  la 
g^ndrositd  de: 

University  of  Victoria 
IMcPherson  Library 

Les  images  suivantes  ont  6t6  reproduites  avec  le 
plus  grand  soin,  compte  tenu  de  la  condition  et 
de  la  nettetd  de  l'exemplaire  film6,  et  en 
conformity  avec  les  conditions  du  contrat  de 
filmage. 


Original  copies  in  printed  paper  covers  are  filmed 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  and  ending  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  beginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  illustiated  impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  est  imprimde  sont  filmds  en  commenpant 
par  le  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  le  second 
plat,  selon  le  cas.  Tous  les  autres  exemplaires 
originaux  sont  film6s  en  commenpant  par  la 
premiere  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  -^  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  V  (meaning   "END"), 
whichever  applies. 


Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaitra  sur  la 
dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbole  — ►  signifie  "A  SUIVRE",  le 
symbole  V  signifie  "FIN". 


Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  Stre 
filmds  i  des  taux  de  reduction  diff^rents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  dtre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  cliche,  il  est  film6  d  partir 
de  Tangle  sup6rieur  gauche,  de  gauche  d  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  n^cessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  mdthode. 


1 

2 

3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

r^ 


<■ '  *> 


WKmimmm.mi'  '^li 


l91 

• 

^%l 

'"'^^a 

<, 

/ 

^,'P 

i 

- 

> 

,  *-^ 

1 

^        -^ 

i 

4    '^i 


3 

1.'  ,^ 


'P  i  ^  1 


v%^ 


UNIVERSITY 

OF  VICTORIA 

LIBRARY 


l» 


/S 


.^.ftr- 


mmmm 


mmmi 


THE  BROWNIES 
AT  HOME 


BY 
PALMER   COX 


PUBLISHED    BY 
THH  CENTURY  CO. 

NHW  YORK 


(.■il'viiirlil.   iS()i,  iHc)2,  by  The  (Curtis  Pi'blishing  Company; 
Copyright,  i.Hcn,  I'y  The  Cintury  Co. 


I 


r 


mm 


<i''(«  tviti 


WiM 


LIKE  fjirii:>  jihl  jiohliiis,  arc  inuigiiurr  lil- 
tli-  ij^i iirs,  '.il'o  arc  >ul^(iosi-tt  to  ililiiihl  in 
haniilt-sa  f^ijiiks  jml  /\-lp/iil  ,/,v</s.  Tl.',v 
work  lIiu/  if'orl  ichili:  v.\\}iy  hoiisiholji. 
sit'tp,  aiiil  iidyr  allow  //'.'ws./i'.'s  to  l\-  si\'ii 
br  mortal  o'l's. 


J 


COXMI^N'PS. 


rAOB. 


Bkownieh  in  January. 

Tiii:y  takk  Advantauk  ok  tiik  Snow  — and  uo 
ON  A  Sij;ioii-Hiiti;  — \viii:m',  thkv  iiavi:  a  Livki.y 
Ti.Mi:— HIT  Hn.iov  thkir  Expedition, 


BkoWxMks  in  Fe]{1{i;aky. 

Tl'knino    tukiu  Akyistic    Skim,  to    Making 

VAIiENTINK.S — THKY     DlSTIillUTI'.     Kl'.MKMMWANCKS 

Far  AND  WiDK— Tin's  Astonishing  tiik  Xativks. 


13 


Brownies  in  March. 

Tiik  Hand  visits  tiik  National  Capital  — 

AND  makes  a  KaID  UPON  THE  WllITK  llorSK —       ■"' 

Aktkk  a  Dance  in  tiik  East  Hoom — they 

VENTUHE  INTO  THE  STATE  BeDKOOM. 


liliOWXIKS   IX    Al'lUL. 

Si'KiNii  tiivr.s   iiiKM   Ni;\v  I.ii'i;  — Tiiky  hk(iin 

1(1     l.'i(l,l.    Iluill'S— AM)    MANY     II.\IIIIIUi;At)TII     Ks-       42 

r.\iM.,-.  (iivi;  ("iiANii:s  'I'd  SHOW  thkik   Dr.voTioN 
■1(1  Om;  Anotiikk. 


MiiowNtr.s  IN  M  \v. 

.M(ivi\(,  TiMi:  I'.NAiii.i.s  Tiii;  Hand  in  riiovr. 
ITS  (1(1(11)  Wii.i,— A    Ni:w       )isi:  tit   in  (>i;- 

|)|.;i(  —  AND    N(i    TkACI;     idlNI-.     :  H'    Till;     KlNDM 

lli-.i.n.Ks. 


57 


/-V 


HunWMI.S    IN   .llNK. 

I'l'dN     llir.     HUddKI.VN     HullKiK — A    (iKAM)     I{A('K 

(ivr.i;  •nii;  lidi-rv  K'dADWAV  — Somk  Si:i;k  tiik  Tdi-     71 

OF    A     TdWKH  —  dTIIKliS     1  )l>i  KNI)    TO    TlIK    lidTT(JM 
OK   TlIK    KlVKIf. 


E^»— ~        ,,-1, 


lii;()\VMi;s  IN  .li  i,v. 

\'i>niN(;  Tin:  ( )i.i)  Stati;  lidisi:  in  I'mii.adkmmiia, 
Till-;  Hand  IIxamini'.s  iiir,  Hki.ks  tiikuk  —  Tiiky 
lfi;ii,i;ci'  1  I'dN  Tin:  liKNcTii  di'  ini:  l»i:vdi.iTi(iN  — 

AND    h'K.lOKi;   dVIOK    ITS    HllSlLT. 


84 


Ainii  ,i    r, 


I-JiiOWNiK.s  IN  August. 

A  UoAT-HiDK  ri'oN  thi".  (iur.AT  Fatiii-.k  of 

\VAI'i;iiS     HKINOS    TlIK     HaNI)    TO    TlIK     SiNNY 

S'HiTi  — wiiKin:   TiiKV    l)i:i,i(iHT   in    Furrrs 

AND    Fl.dWKHS— lUT  Alii;    NOT    I 'LKASKD  WITH 
Al.LKiAToUS. 


95 


\v/piUD'S  [ 

C'ol^u<^l^'vfll\^    I 

/•il  iri  Alio,, 


LiTiowNinH  IN-  Sr.i"rr.Mi?i;it. 

TlIK  1V\N1»  .IlllKNKVS  'I'O  ClIM'AUd  — 
AND  M;M»S  a  IIaNII  T(»\VAlfl>  I'KKI'All- 
IN(i    Till",    WoHI.D'S     KaIU— As    A     FiN 

isiiiNii  Tuicii,  riiK.v  lloisr  ■riii;  Stau- 
SrANdLKi)  Hannku  a.mii)  ('iii;i;us. 


HAOK, 


104 


BuoWNrHS   IN   OCTOHF'l. 

AdUicft.TruK     HN'(iAfiKs    THr;ri{    Attkn- 

TION  —  I'liKSSINd    OllSTlNATi;    Am.MAI.S     INTO 

Skuvici;,  tiikv  I'l  t  Vurir  and  Vi:(ii;tahi-ks 
oi  T  ni' .Iack  Fkost's  Ukack. 


115 


Brownies  in  NovE:\roER. 

('()LLE(TIN(i  AIJ,  TlIK   1)KI,I('A('IKS    iW  THK    SkASON    i^ty^ 

—TlIK  Band  I'uki-akks  a  Sr.Mi-Ti'ors  Fkast— and 
TUKN  Enjoys  Natvue's  Bounty. 


Brownies  in  December. 

The  Brownies  Select  a  fine  Christmas  Tree— 
WHICH  IS  Loaded  to  the  tip  top  with  (tifts — 
AND  THE  Hearts  of  Pook  Children  are  jiade 

«Jeai). 


134 


xi 


OTHHR    BOOKS    BY   PAI.MHR    COX: 
PUBLISHHD  BY    IHH  CKNTURY  CO. 


THE  BROWNIES 
THEIR    BOOK 

Quarlo.  i  ^o  pjges.     Price,  in  ho.irds,  81.50. 


ANOTHER 
BROWNIE   BOOK 

Quarto,  m,,  p;,i;es.     Priee,  in  Uy.nds,  ^,.^0. 


TTTE   BllOWXTES   IN  JANITARY. 


2et\}  January  laid  tlie  snow 

On  niount.iin  liigli  and  valley  low, 

And  glidinj^  Hloip^h  and  jingling  bell 

Showed  folks  improved  their  chances  well, 

The  Brownies  planned,  with  language  bold, 

A  ride  across  the  country  cold. 

Said  one:    "No  cutter  frail  and  lignt 

Will  answer  our  demands  to-night; 

We  must  have  something  large  and  strong 

To  carrj    all  the  })and  along, 

And  stand  the  strain  of  going  fast 

On  wintry  roads  where  (h'ifts  are  cast." 

Another  cried:    "I  know  a  place 

Where  rests  a  rig  to  suit  the  case; 

'T  is  like  a  life-hoat,  long  and  wide, 

In  which  the  sailors  brave  the  ti<li': 

'T  will  hold  us  all.     I  well  l)elieve 

Full  half  the  hand  can  seats  receive, 


THE   BKOWNIES   IN  JANUAEY. 


■*•'-<  :  :i«i«ii3A 


"While  tliosc  who  are  a  seat  denied 

Can  in  some  other  manner  ride. 

It  lias  the  plmnes,  all  blue  and  red, 

To  stream  so  j^aily  overhead. 

There  \s  nothinjij  laeking  there,  1  know, 

That  we  require  to  make  a  show." 

A  third  remarked:    "To  make  it  grand 
A  spk-ndid  team  is  near  at  hand; 
They  will  not  take  a  seeond  lash 
Before  the  harness  ijoes  to  smash. 
But,  treated  skilfully,  will  glide 
As  fast  as  you  will  care  to  ride. 
It  matters  not  how  hills  may  rise, 
Or  how  the  snow  hefore  them  lies, — 
Once  on  the  road,  you  may  depend. 
They  '11  strive  to  tind  the  other  end. 
When  going  fast  the  lines  I  '11  hold, — 
More  teams  than  one  I  have  controlled 
While  comrades  tremhled  in  their  place 
With  bristling  hair  and  pallid  faces." 
Another  spoke:    "Excuse  my  smile; 
No  disrespect  is  meant  the  while; 

But,  sir.  to  state  the  matter  ])lain, 

You  're  hardly  fit  to  hold  ji  rehi. 

You  may  have  strength,  and  courag(^  too, 

And  in  your  way  may  wonders  do. 

But  't  is  not  all  in  ]>ull  and  haul. 

Some  judgment  there  must  be,  withal; 

And  that  's  a  quality  or  crown 

With  which  you  are  not  weighted  down." 


\ 


THE  BROWNIEH  IN   JANUARY. 

Then  brief  uiscussions  staried  there 

In  settling  which  tlie  whip  should  hear; 


THE  JiJtOWNlES  IN   JANUAKY. 

For  Imlf  ii  (lozon  lilod  u  claini 
To  wield  tliat  impleineiit  of  sliaiue. 
Said  oiu':    "I  '11  niako  it  snap  so  loud 
'T  will  wake  an  echo  in  the  cloud." 
But  others  said:    "You  're  far  too  bold; 
No  hasty  hand  the  Avhip  should  hold, 
That  in  each  ti'ivial  action  may 
See  cause  to  bring  it  into  pla3%" 
Those  wlio  have  seen  the  Brownie  band 
In  other  scenes  by  sea  or  land, 
Know  how  the  cunnini;-  roijues  agree 
Upon  a  scheme,  whate'er  it  ])e; 
While  those  who  have  not  studied  o'er 
Their  wondi'ous  doings,  heretofore, 

Will  learn,  if  they  pursue  the  rhyme. 
How  much  the  Brownies  value  time. 
In  twenty  minutes  by  the  clock 

That  in  a  steeple  on  the  block 
Both  day  and  night 

its  visage  showed, 
Some  '^"^^''^'^^^^A^  "^*^3B^^fe>.  The  happy  baud 

to  the  team  ^(f'B!^^^^   '^^'^^  ^^^^  ^^ 

attention  lent,  '^^^  jC^^  W  the  road, 

xind  on  the  harness 

were  intent. 
More  through  the  yard  as 

sprightly  sped, 
To  (b'ag  the  cutter  from  the  shed, 
The  seats  to  portion  or  divide 
So  every  one  could  share  the  ride, — 


4 


THE  BROWNIES  IN   JANUARY. 


The  Brownies  wlien  occasion  calls 
Can  almost  roll  themselves  in  halls, 
In  order  to  conform  arijitht 
To  places  that  may  crowd  them  tight. 
But  one  by  one  the  seats  were  jannned, 
And  spaces  in  between  were  crammed 
With  Brownies  well  content  to  seat 
Themselves  among  the  others'  feet. 


A  picnic  party  on  a  barge 

That  floats,  a  puffing  tug-boat's  charge 

Upon  the  river  or  the  bay. 

When  workers  take  a  holiday, 

Could  hardly  show  such  faces  Imght 

As  from  the  sleigh  i)eeped  out  that  night. 

6 


THE  BROWNIES   IN   JANUARY. 


For  several  miles,  with  uothiiif;  wrong. 
Behind  the  team  they  slid  alonj;. 
But,  though  the  start  was  all  indeed 
That  one  could  wish  for  sport  and  speed, 
They  found  mishaps,  you  may  depend, 
If  you  i)ursue  them  to  the  end. 


Some,  ratlier  than  to  lie  left  out 
At  such  a  lime,  liad  <'rawle<l  ahout 

0 


a;srn»!ss»aES5r-"T=-- 


THE  BROWNIES  IN   JANUARY. 


Until  they  found  a  friendly  brace 

Or  rail  that  offered  them  a  place; 

"While,  disregarding?  pride  and  ease, 

Home  rode  on  rattling  whiffletrees. 

And  kept  their  seat  through  jolts  and  jogs, 

And  sudden  turns  round  stumps  and  logs, — 

Content  to  be,  as  it  would  seem. 

At  least  the  nearest  to  the  team. 

More  rigged  a  board  they  chanced  to  find, 

Which,  like  a  rudder,  reached  behind, 

And  formed  :    seat  and  "teeter"  gay 

Unknown  to  makers  of  the  sleigh. 

At  (certain  bends  and  gravel  banks 
The  wind  had  played  its  winter  pranks, 
And  turned  a  road  as  smooth  as  glass 
Into  a  choked  and  dangerous  pass 
Where  walls  and  ditches  hidden  lay 
And  caused  the  Brownies  great  dismay. 

Sometimes  a  jolt  would  cost  the  string 

Upon  the  plank  an  upward  tling 

That  seemed  to  rcuighly  set  aside 

Their  claims  to  any  farther  ride. 

They  boiuiced  in  air  as  though  to  seize 

The  moon,  that  sailed  above  the  trees. 

And  drag  it  from  its  heavenly  way 

To  be  a  head-light  for  their  sleigh. 

A  shout  would  rise  from  all  the  crew, 

But  loudest  from  the  hapless  few 

Who  thus  appeared  to  be  consigned 

To  trouble  of  the  gi'avest  kind. 


THE  BROWNIES  IN   JANUARY. 


But  tlirouj^h  uf^ility  so  j^niiid 

'T  is  sokloin  found  outside  the  band, 

They  lield  their  own  wliile  in  the  air, 

And,  chasing  after  the  affair, 

Tlie  plank  was  soon  regained  by  i-aeli 

Before  it  passed  ])eyond  their  reach. 

They  circled  round  the  country  wide, 

And  then  coinmenced  their  homeward  ride 

But  as  they  near  tlie  city  drew, 

The  road  divided  into  two. 

Some  thought  the  right-liand  one  the  best, 

The  left  seemed  better  to  the  rest; 

And  each  one  pulled,  to  reason  blind, 

According  to  his  turn  of  ndnd. 

Too  many  cooks  around  tlu^  pot 

Will  spoil  the  broth,  now  doubt  it  not: 

Too  many  hands  to  reins  applied 

Will  surely  spoil  the  finest  ride. 

Tlie  team  was  not  inclined  to  wait 

Until  tli(\y  settled  their  debate, 

But  an  inii)artial  spirit  showed. 

And  did  not  take  to  either  road. 

But  carried  out  the  neutral  plan 

And  straight  ahead  ))etween  them  ran. 

Now  some  pulled  left,  and  more  pulled  i-ight, 

While  thos(!  who  could  not  manage  quite 

To  reach  the  lines  from  where  they  stood 

Gave  free  advice  to  those  who  could. 

But  counsel  was  not  worth  a  pin, 

For  some  fell  out,  and  some  fell  in, 


THE  Bl«)WNIi:.S  IN   JANUARY. 


And  all  thao  showed  ahovo  tlie  seat, 
At  sundry  places,  worv  the  feet; 
While  those  who  took  the  outward  fall 
Had  all  the  field  in  which  to  sprawl. 
And  nohly  strove  to  do  their  share 
In  covering  all  the  gi'ound  was  tlici-c. 


But  those  who  had  the  team  to  drive, 

And  to  their  duty  were  alive, 

0 


THE  nilOWNIES   IN   .TANUARY. 


••^, 


y^.  'V..      .-r--^ 


Had  Itiiicly  time  a  jjlanco  t(»  tlirow 

At  conirados  tumbling;  in  the  snow, 

When  t<»  a  sl(>])in^  place  they  drew 

Where  (lanjjer  more  apparent  f?rew. 

Then  followed  soon  a  sudch'n  ])it('h, 

An<l  sl(Mj;h  and  load  went  in  the  ditch! 

Now  every  one  l»ej;an  to  find 

A  chance  to  exercise  liis  mind, 

For  s])eedy  action  wins  the  ])rizo 

At  such  a  time,  you  may  snnnise. 

Some  fjrabbed  the  team  without  delay. 

And  some  l)e«fan  to  rijjcht  the  sleif^li, 

While  others  Aw^  to  hrinj^  to  lijjfht 

Companions  who  had  jjone  from  sight. 

It  was  no  easy  task  to  know 

Just  who  was  missing  in  the  snow. 

For  when  the  sleigli  was  overthrown 

Piach  thought  alnmt  himself  alone, 

And  took  small  heed,  as  o'er  he  went. 
How  fiiends  made  out  in  their  descent. 
They  had  no  time  to  call  the  roll. 
But  here  and  there  a  sunken  hole 
Would  to  the  anxious  searchers  tell 
i'*^^'*-*'        \^'^.  re  some  one  in  the  snowdrift  fell; 
A  foot  would  next  uplifted  be 
And  tell  who  stniggled  to  be  free. 

But  when  they  came  at  length  in  view 

A  bosom  friend  one  hardly  knew. 

So  fearfully  the  smash  had  told 

On  garments  fine  and  bearing  bold. 

10 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  JANUARY. 

Thus  was  distress  much  quicker  found 
Than  in  these  lines  1  now  conii)ound. 
But  as  they  had  no  time  to  spare 
To  talk  alxmt  the  mishap  there, 
They  turned  the  team  the  proper  way, 
And  gained  the  road  that  nearest  lay. 
Although  the  shaking  up  was  l)ad, 
They  thought  the  pleasant  ride  they  had 
.  Did  more  than  pay  for  the  upset 
Whieh  at  the  forking  road  they  'd  met. 
Each  horse  again  liad  found  its  stall, 
Was  watt'red,  fed,  ruhhed  down,  and  all. 
Before  the  lagging  winter  day 
Began  to  chive  the  night  away. 

Then  through  the  fields  and  down  the  road 
A  rapid  gait  the  Brownies  showed, — 
Now  through  a  place  where  gas-lamps  shone. 
Now  through  a  tunnel  made  of  stone, 
Tiiat  hrietly  hid  them  all  from  sight; 
Then,  hreaking  out  into  the  light. 
With  equal  interest,  e<[ual  speed. 
Each  struggled  hard  to  gain  the  lead, 
Whil(^  hright  and  brighter  spread  the  glare 
Of  morning  as  they  scampered  there, 


11 


THK    ItltOWNrHH   IN    JANIAUY. 


Till  iu'i'<l«'(l  slu'ltt'i'  caiiic  ill  view 
And  secret  haunts  tliut  well  they  knew. 
Then  Brownies  found  u  place  to  hide, 
And  chat  al)out  tlieir  si)lendid  ride. 


FROM  The  arrows  or  the  sun 

NOW  THE  RiJOWNita/IND  MUST  RUN 


12 


TIIK    JUJOWNIKS 


IN    in^:B!niAIJV 


f^  Felmiiiry  rolltjd  ai'oiin<l, 

All  I'urly  cluuico  tlio  Brownies  i'oimd 

To  iiKH't  and  talk  ulxmt  tlic  way 

The  pooi)l(^  toil  from  day  to  day, — 

Some  piling;-  n\)  wliateVr  tliey  please 

And  turninj?  it  to  gain  with  ease; 

Some  losnij?  what  they  've  saved  for  years 

in  spite  of  all  their  care  and  tears. 

Said  one:    "Thronj^h  all  the  rack  and  strife 

That  may  be  found  in  human  life 

From  year  to  year,  the  tiiith  to  tell. 

They  hold  to  ancient  customs  well; 

And  in  this  month  some  moments  find 

To  keep  St.  Valentine  in  mind." 

A  second  spoke:   "Ah!   Cupid's  arrow 

The  hardest  heaii  can  deeply  haiTOW. 

The  miser,  tyrant,  soldier,  king. 

Have  felt  its  power,  and  its  sting. 

And  after  all  't  is  well  indeed 

That  men  should  (-lipid's  aiTow  heed, 

o  13 


THE   imOWNII'.s   IN   FEimUARY. 


^t*  ,>^ 


For  love  "s  IX  ^it't  that  man  alone, 
As  ]iocts  sinii',  fan  call  liis  own, 
And  shall  not  Brownit's  do  their  part 
To  i»raise  the  ti'Uc  and  lovinii'  heart? 
X(i\v  we  who  note  tVoni  dav  to  <lay 


^\. 


inkinil  at   lariiv,  iis  well  we  may 


Can  speak  onr  minds  l>oth   fair  and  free 
On   matters  that    we  chance  to  see. 
And  t  liis  is  plain  as  is  the  nose 
On  every  face  this  nieetinu'  shows: 
No  sweeter  siii'lil    can    meet    the   ey<' 
Than  heai'ls  honnd  in  one  hivinu'  tie, 
Prepareil  to  hi'ave  all  kinds  of  weatht f 

And,  if   need    he.  to    hleed    t  oji-etlier." 

A  thii'd  remarked:    "  N'oni"  s]»ee(di  defines 

'I'lie    feelini;-   in    the   jioets'    lines. 

So  connt    it   not  as  odd  if  we 

In  sentiment  and  sonl  ai^ree. 

'T  is  stranye  to  see  a  .uTasj)in<i*  man. 

Whose  mind  to  money-ii'ettini;'  I'an, 

Devote  his  time  and   patient  care 

To  I'hymes  in   praise  of  woman   fair. 

How  many  thousands.  <;-reat   aiul  small, — 

Ves,  millions, —  on  this  earthly  hall 

Do  iind  suri»i'ises  in  the  mail. 

Some  stare  thereon   with  aiiii'er  ]>ale, 

Then  crowd  the  docunieiils  fi'om  sii,dit 

Oi'  hold  them   up  for  lauii'hter  liy'hl ; 

While  nii>i'e  with  ]»leasui'e  and  with  prid* 

Display  the  ;:;ifts  on  evei'\'  side, 

14 


'•^-^ 


THE  BIIOWNIES  IN   FEBKUAKY. 


That  prove  without  a  dou1)t  or  fear 
They  still  are  loved  and  counted  dear." 
"Your  j^lowing  words  havc!  filled  my  head 
With  notions  strange,"  another  said. 
"To-night  the  l)and  will  undertake 
Some  striking  valentines  to  make, 
And  then  to  buildings  low  and  high, 
Wlien  all  are  done,  we  '11  quickly  fly. 
And  leave  tliem  there  to  cause  sm'i>rise 
When  people  in  the  morning  rise. 
Those  who  delight  to  pick  and  ciioose 
The  words  that  best  express  their  views. 

Can  as  their  part  devote  their  time 
To  si)inning  out  the  strings  of  rhyme, 
While  otliers  draw  the  pictm'es  fine 
Who  to  that  special  art  incline. 
Thus  each  will  have  a  task  assigned 
'Well  suited  to  his  turn  of  mind. 
It  won't  take  long,  when  once  w;-  start, 
To  pi'ove  we  're  not  devoid  of  art; 
Tlu'  work  is  done,  '  right  otf  the  reel,' 
In  which  all  hands  an  interest  feel." 

"I  know  a  place,"  another  cried, 
"Wliere  we  with  paint  can  be  sup})Hed, 
And  paper,  too,  of  every  grade 
For  just  sucli  dainty  ])ainting  made. 
No  other  task,  the  truth  to  tell. 
Could  suit  the  Brownies  lialf  so  well 
As  this  wOiich  gives  a  chance  to  show 
And  tell  the  people  what  we  know." 

15 


/: 


Jiv*vvi^^»:, 


THE    lUIOWNll'.K   IN   I'l'.BKUAKY. 

To  liiid  the  paint  and  jtapcr,  too, 
And  pen  and  ink  tlic  Bi-ownics  Hew; 
Tlion,  safely  housed  away  from  sight, 
Some  ])ainted  ])i('tures  half  the  nij^ht, 
While  others  inatehed  the  foi'm  or  face 
With  verses  full  of  wit  or  <;Taee, 
Aeeordint-:  to  tiie  kind  refpiired 
To  i)i(|ne.  or  [)lease,  as  they  desired. 


Some  lirownies  of  a  eoinic  vein 
I"'rom  work  on  hand  did  pleasure  .n'ain, 
And  smiled  to  think  how  well  their  wit 
Would  certain  heads  around  them  HI; 
While  more  with  sentiment  divine 
Ponrcd  love  into  oa(di  <ilowinj;'  line, 
I'ntil  the  ardent   declaration 
Was  h<»und  to  start   a  palpitation. 


i>; 


m. 


^-%^  '.^.. 


THE  mjOWNlES  IN   FE15HUAKY. 


■-■^^^ 


They  round  tlic  (lictionaiy  pressM 
To  clioose  the  words  that  suited  best 
To  tell  of  Love's  uiuhing  tiaine 
That  at  first  sij^lit  or  meetiiii;'  came, 
And  ever  wann  and  warmer  j^lowed 
As  time  still  greater  heauty  showed. 
A  Brownie  has  a  level  head, 
Althongh  perhaps  not  eollege-bred, 
And  knows  jnst  when  to  stop  and  start, 

Or  round  a  phrase  to  eateh  the  lieart; 

And  thougli  sarcastic  flings  at  men 

They  may  indulge  in  now  aud  then. 

The  earnest,  active  Brownie  mind 

To  thimghts  of  love  is  more  in<'lined; 

So  hearts  and  arrows,  in  tlie  main, 

The  Brownies'  nussives  di<l  contain. 

Wiien  every  picture  was  comidcte 

And  all  tlie  verses  had  their  feet, 

The  Brownies  wrote  addresses  <lowu 

And  started  prom[)tly  thrcmgh  the 
to^^^l, 


To  soon  (listrilmte,  as  they  planned. 

In  humble  homes  and  mansions  grand. 

The  valentines  tliat  were  designed 

To  mystify  the  hmnan  kind. 

They  clhnbed  up  winding  stairs  so  high 

Their  breath  gave  out  ere  tiiey  were  nigh 

17 


THE  UROWNIES  Ix\   FEimUARY. 


The  place  they  sought— 

tlie  Tipper  flat; 

So  on  tlie  steps 

hi  rows  they  sat 

To  pant  a  while 

and  nioi'alize 

How  peopli'  from 

low  stations  rise. 
At  other  builihngs 

Brownies  called 
And  hi  the 

elevators  crawled — 


Then,  shootini--  up  from  tirst  t(»  last, 
To  all  tlic  floors  they  (luickly  passed, 
And  smiled  1o  sec  how  these  affairs 
Saved  tilt'  loni--  tram]>inj>' 

lip  the  stairs; 

And  wislu'd  in  every  house 

they  M  And 
Some  useful  flxture  .a:.„, 

of  the  kind.   ,  f^!' 
But  fear  at  times  ^^M^' 

instead  of  fun    ,feiili^" 
The  Bi'ownies  knew  ^^ 

ere  they  were  done.      -_^^p'. 
One,  slii)i)in^-  off  ' 

just  as  it  I'ose,  ^  . ^^ 

Was  eauiiht  l»y  comrades    '^\.  IV"  J\i''^^  '^  ' 


1)V  the  toes, 


^'  '=?    •  -s .   «%  .  -1^ 


r?-«^«^'" 


18 


THE  BEOWNIES  IN  FEBRUAEY. 


And  ('arried  in  tluit  wreteliod  plight, 

At  risk  of  Itcing  lost  outriglit, 

Till,  at  a  halt,  lio  had  acqiiired 

A  situation  more  desiivd. 

Few  pleasures  people  here  below 

Can  find  unmixed  with  pain  or  woe. 

Whate'er  the  sport,  the  pang  is  near 

And  has  its  inning,  never  fear. 

And  Brownies  though  on  pleasure  hent 

Found  some  mishaps  as  on  they  went. 

And  trials  that  would  soon  disgrace 

Or  crush  a  less  deternnned  race. 

While  on  a  lone  suburban  I'oad 

The  Brownies  ran,  each  with  his  load, 

A  bridge  that  needed  some  repairs 

Gave  way  and  nnicli  increased  their  cares; 

For  though  some  held  to  stringers  well 

And  broken  planks  that  all  but  fell, 

A  nnml)er,  tumbling  from  the  path. 

Were  (juickly  treated  to  a  l)ath. 

No  meditated  leaj)  was  here. 

With  gracefid  pose  from  float  or  pier. 

Into  a  sunmier  flood  that  gave 

Warm  invitations  to  its  wave; 

But  head  and  lieels,  just  as  they  ran, 

Tlie  Brownies'  sudden  dive  began 

To  ciu'rents  neither  warm  nor  nice, 

For  here  and  there  a  cake  of  ice 

Was  drifting  on  the  water  chill 

And  proved  that  winter  lingered  still. 

IS) 


['HE   lUtOWMKS    IN    I'HIilUAIiV. 


a.-=.rj.:;--?casrs?.-c' 


:li4! 


THE  BKOWNIEH  IN  FEBliUAKY. 

Now  moi'tul  folk,  as  well  we  know, 
Would  soon  have  let  their  Innulles  j;o. 
And  trouljled  neither  hand  nor  head 
Abont  tlu^  saints,  alive  or  dead. 
But,  f^entle  reaikn*,  don  t  l)eliev(^ 
That  Brownies  would  their  hands  relie\ 
Of  lovinjjf  missives  nuide  to  cheer 
The  hearts  of  those  they  held  so  dear, 
Till  every  valentine  they  made 
Was  in  the  rijiht  location  laid. 


,iwi^!;(ii|i 


m9^ 


nh  .Hi ; 


-^'f^^&FM^T« 


■ifcl*'' 


"M 


't/-- 


^ 


iMJtMMm- 


ym 


'T  is  hard  enough  in  sunnuer  itours 
To  ehnd>  around  on  walls  or  towers. 
When  vines,  perhaps,  a  hold  supply. 
And  nis^hts  are  line,  and  stones  are  dry, 
But  harder  still  the  task  to  clindj 
Ai'ound  in  sli[)pery  winter  time, 
'When  snow,  or  rain,  or  ice,  or  all, 
l\Iay  interfere  witli  those  wlio  ei-awl. 
Then  wondt>r  not  if  letters  fell 
And  for  a  time  were  scattered  well. 
And  with  moro  cares  the  mind  oppressed 
That  was  disturbed  enough  at  best. 


THE    HHOWMES   IN   rElUU'AKY. 


And  tlioiif^li  jjjr(>at  care 

tlic  Bi'ownics  sliowcd, 

Sonu'  fell  from   huildiuiis 

Avitli  their  load 
To  ('at(di  on  lines 

that  sti'eteh(>(l  in  air 
And  swini;  like 

nialet'actoi's  there, 
Some  by   the  heels, 
s(mie  l)v  the  head 

•  ■ — . 

As  clianee  the  timely 

net  had  spivad, 
Till  friends 

wei'e  t'oi'ced 
to  stop  their  fun, 
And  here  and  tliere 

I'oi'  ladders  run 
So  safe  positions  mi<fht 
he  iiain<'d 


While  vet 
a  spark 
of  life 
remained. 

Their  hreath 
was  slioi't, 
tlieir  necks 
wei'e  lonir 

Ere  t hex- 
were  frecMl 
from  wires 
strong. 


u'-'V 


:i-^-1 


m 


r-P- 


^ 


iw*- 


'II  / 


THE   UROWXIEH  IN   FEBIIUAIIY. 

On  firo-cHCiipcs  tliey  climlx'd  ul)ont. 
On  l)i'ack('ts,  cups,  and  tvinnuiiiji;s  st(mt, 
And  on  th(»  root'  or  window-Kill 
Tlicy  kept  tlu'ir  minds  on  business  still, 
Till  verses  of  a  tender  strain, 
And  those  of  a  more  eomie  vein. 
With  pictnres  drawn  t<>  suit  eaeli  ease, 
(■ould  safely  reacdi  their  proper  place. 

Said  one:    "Hut  that  deliji,ht  it  brings 

To  chiUb'cn  to  recei\-e  such  things, 

I  M  throw  my  packets  in  the  Hre 

And  to  some  liiding-pjace  retire, 

Becausi;  1  've  hardly  got  a  stitch 

Tliat  is  not  toi*n  with  hook  ox  hitch 

While  clind)ing  round  just  hke  a  mouse, 

To  slip  them  into  eveiy  house." 


At  times  a  false  alarm  would  spring 

And  wildest  consternation  bring. 

Then  into  l)arr<'ls  and  boxes  near 

At  once  thoy  'd  dive  and  disappear 

Till,  reassured,  at  length  tliey  rose 

To  l)ring  their  lid)ors  to  a  close. 
2;i 


Tin:   liltOWNTKS    IN    rKIUa'AHY. 


got  his  share 
Saw  liow  tile  crcatnro  looks  for  whom 
The  world  is  loath  to  furnish  room, 
And  learned  in  couplets  seril)l»kMl  free 
Just  what  ills  epitaph  might  be. 
But  he  Avlio  had  a  noltle  mind, 
With  generous  heart  and  feelings  kind, 
Was  told  hy  picture  and  hy  verse 
How  teai's  would  fall  around  ;his  hoarse, 
And  sweett'st  flowers  strew  the    -round 
When  he  his  final  rest  had  fonnd. 
The  children  to  surnusing  fell, 
Still  wondering  who  knew  them  so  well; 

•J  4 


THE  IJHOWNIKS   TN   FEHllLARY. 


--ii-i.t^ -•,^:/J. 


Tin;    ItUOWNIKS    IN    I'KltlUARY. 


KiifW  every  whim,  and  hope,  and  four, 
liike  kind,  ohsei-vini;  mothers  dejii-; 
And  ill  ad(h'esses  full  and  plain 
They  studieil  hard  the  key  to  j^ain. 
Hut  every  hand  was  stran<;('  and  n<'W, 
And  ^ave  them   not  the  slij;'ht«'st  c\\n\ 
For  Bi'ownies  study  everywhere 
'I'o  covei'  up  their  tra(dvs  wi<^h  caro, 
And,  crowded  thoiinii   they  often  are 
l"'or  time  to  Work  or  travel  far. 
Their  hands  and  feet   sliow  extra  i>()\ver 
T(»  suit   the  lateness  of  tho  liour. 
Then  roads  wei-e  tilled  from  sitle  to  side 
With  Brownies  as  they  ran  to  liide; 
Thi*  weaker,  aided  by  the  sti'ong, 
Wore  hurried  on  their  way  along, 
Foi'  it   would  ill  become  the  hand 
To  now  deny  a  liel])in<;  hand 
To  those  on  whom  the  nianitold 
Misfortunes  (>■   ihe  nii,dit  had  t(dd. 


We  a  re 

creatures 

of 
tlje 

I7ii'l?t 


At}d  iijust 

at 
day 

UyJil 


26 


'4i 


TUK    BRO\\^NTP]S   FX   MAKCTT. 


Brownie  band,  wliilo  roaming  i-onnd 
In  })lustonng  ^larcli,  ono  ovtming  fonnd 
Tlienisclvcs  upon  a  windy  liciglit 
That  Itroujiiit  the  Capitol  in  sight. 
Said  ono:    "That  dome  that  looms  so  higli 
It  seems  to  pierce  the  starry  sky, 
Proves  we  Ixdiold,  trom  where  we  stand, 
Tlie  central  city  of  the  land. 

Here  you  the  JNIandarin  may  see 
Wlio  rejuvsents  the  Land  of  Tea; 
The  Russian  from  the  vast  domain 
Where  iron-handed  despots  reign; 
The  Pasha  working  for  the  weal 
Of  states  heneath  a  neiglibor's  heel ; 
Outlying  tracts,  of  which  we  hear 
But  little,  have  theh*  lookoui.s  near 
To  see  that  nothing  wrong  is  planned 
Or  carried  on  against  their  land: 

27 


THE  ]51{0^\'NIES  IN   Jr.VKCH. 


'''•'^/V  Ct/ 


Though  il   may  seem  scjuvc  worth  tlic  show- 
To  miard  an  icchcvn'  [yom  a  foe, 


^1 


r 


:;« 


THE   BROWNIES    IN   MA1«;H. 


Oi'  come  with  t'eathcrs,  frills,  and  style, 
To  I'opresent  some  desert  isle. 
Now  wliile  we  chanee  to  be  so  nigh, 
A  trip  into  the  town  we  '11  try. 
Tln-oufjh  its  hroad  avenues  w^e  '11  race, 
And  j^ain  some  knowledge  of  the  place; 
And  ere  the  night  gives  place  to  day, 
A  \isit  to  the  White  House  pay." 

Another  cried : 

"The  rac(^  begin. 
And  don't  be  slow 

to  c(mnt  me  in ; 
For  I  '11  be  with 

you  to  ascend 
The  White  House  steps, 

you  may  depend." 
The  city  that  l)efore  them  lay 
Was,  after  all,  some  miles  away; 
And  though  tlie  Brownies  travel  fast, 
Full  half  an  liour  or  more  had  passed 
While  they  were  crossing  country  there 
To  r(^ach  a  leading  thoroughfare. 
Tliey  clamlx'i'cd  over  walls  of  stone 
With  brusli  and  ivy  overgrown. 
But  neither  thorns  nor  poison-vine 
Could  check  their  ])a('e,  o)'  break  their  Uno. 
Like  soldiers  cliarging  some  redou])t 
When  "Deatli  or  Victory!"  they  shout. 
The  eager  Brownies  onward  v  n, 
So  juin])ed  and  looked  ahead  to  scan 

Li'.t 


THE   BKOWNIi:s   IN   MAKCH. 


Tlie  certain  i)lac'e  tlioy  souj^lit  to  win, 

So  idungcd  in  ditclies  to  tlu'  (?hin, 

So  s('ranil)l(Ml  n])  tho  slippt'iy  bank, 

So,  tumbling',  to  the  ])<>ttoni  sank 

To  rise  ajjain  and  still  renew 

Tlio  struji'ule  for  the  ])()int  in  view. 

Thus,  at  tile  start  into  tlie  town, 

Wet  tln'ou'jli  and  thi-ont-li  from  toe  to  crov 


And  (h'i 


freeb 


thev  hied, 


And  (lrii)i)ini;"  rreely,  on  tluy  me 

Nor  ehani-'ed  tlieir  plan  noi'  tni-ned  aside. 

For  darinj?  Brownies  ne\'er  dread 

A  eold  from  wetting'  foot  or  head. 

No  influenza,  jjfout,  or  ^^rip 
Comes  like  a  penalty  to  nip 
Theii'  operations  through  the  year 
Or  keep  them  nuifiHed  up  in  fear. 
Wlicn  town,  was  reached,  the  lirownies  tried 
Their  speed  through  streets  both  long  and  wide. 
They  s))ryly  moved  as  locusts  light 
When  Helds  (»f  giain  break  on  tlieir  sight, 

And  i)revious  fasts  have  whetted  keen 

Their  appetite  for  something  green. 

But  nothing  tlieii'  attention  (h'ew 

Tntil  the  While   Mouse  came  in  view. 

Then  evei'y  foot  came  to  a  stan<l, 

And  every  visage  did  expand 

In  giving  freedom   to  the  smile 

Tliat   lighted  up  each   I'ace  the  while. 

Said  oni> ;    "A  sn(»w-white  mansion,  sure, 

Designed  some  centuries  to  endure; 


Let  ffje  ctay 
he  dci.x'h  or  bi-t'^lit 
Hi  ep  tlje  I] part 
(iji'tljin  you  liqhi 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  MAItCH. 


Broiul  at  the  l)as(',  compact  and  low, 

Huilt  more  foi-  service  tlian  for  show; 

No  p(>aks  for  tlninderbolts  to  strike, 

To  tempt  tornadoes  and  the  like. 

Those  who  of  plamiiiin-  it  had  charjje 

Displayed  yood  sense  and  cantion  lai',i;'e." 

Another  s|)oke,  who  ventured  nij^'h 

And  scanned  the  ])lace  witli  searcliiny-  eye: 

"With   holts  and  hars  some  two  oi-  three 

The  dooi's  are  fast,  as  they  should  he 

Where  so  mu(di   plate  is  lyini;'  round 

As  in  this  mansion  may  l>e  found." 

One  soon  I'eplied  :    "We  little  care 

How  many  holts  and  hai-s  are  there, 

Or  heavy  locks  that   would  defy 

The  prowlinjjf  hurylar's  ]»ick  or  pry. 


ui 


THE   UROWXIES   IX   MAIICH. 


W<'  pass  inside  ji  place  at  "will, 
In  spite  of  all  the  earo  and  skill 


/•/(i-Mf^^-y 


That   may  he  spent  in  work  about 
A  plan  to  keep  intrudors  out. 

3'J 


THE  BKOWNIE8  IN   MAECH. 


The  massive  doors  that  may  outface 
Tlie  seeker  after  bread  or  place, 
Can  on  their  heavy  hinges  rest, 
Because  the  Brownie  band  is  blest 
With  powers  tliat  make  the  bolt  and  law 
As  worthless  as  a  Inirley-straw. 
For  one,  I  'm  not  content  to  go 
Till  more  al)out  the  place  I  know 
Than  may  ])e  gained  by  just  a  sight 
Of  outer  walls  and  columns  white. 
I  neither  seek  a  place  of  power. 
Nor  food  to  serve  the  passing  hour; 
But,  all  the  same,  I  'ni  bound  to  win 
An  entrance  to  the  rooms  within. 

We  '11  not  disturl)  their  silverware, 

Nor  furniture  so  rich  and  rare ; 

We  '11  simply  all  the  paintings  ^'iew, 

And  have,  perhaps,  a  dance  or  two 

In  those  historic  rooms,  to  show 

How  we  as  well  can  trip  the  too 

As  those  who  proudly  gather  heri^ 

To  grand  reci-ptions  every  year." 

Ere  long  they  raml)led  round  with  ease. 

As  if  they  had  a  bunch  of  keys. 

The  President  was  not  around, 

And  those  in  charge  were  sleepei-s  sound. 

So  they  were  free  to  dance  or  run 

From  room  to  room  in  search  of  fim. 

Upon  the  library  they  made 

A  full  advance,  or  rather,  raid; 


Q<i^ 


THE   liKOWNTES   IN   MAECH. 


■»     ^ 


The  volumos  there  tlio  BroAviiies  found 

From  liaiul  to  hand  wore  passed  around, 

Until  eacli  niemher  wise  could  tell 

The  author,  and  his  views  as  well. 

Tlierc  on  all  sides  they  bent  to  pore 

O'er  hooks  on  taldes  and  on  tioor, 
lMi,u'ii,e;(Ml  ill  reading  lon^  dchates 
Al)out  tlie  laws  or  rights  of  States, 
To  find  if  ]>roph('ci('s  were  true, 
PropouiKlcd  wIk'11  llic  land  was  nc^w. 
Sonic  read  of  loiiy'-rori^'otteii  tliiii<^'s; 
Of  wars  with  nci^hhors  and  with  kinj^s ; 
Of  rows  with  tribes  of  Indians  red, 
In  forest,  swani)),  and  lava-bed. 

Like  students  tliirstinf;  after  fame, 
Tln'V  took  the  y>aj.^'es  as  tliey  eame, 
Wliil(>  more  stood  round  and  listened  well, 
As  it  a  sermon  on  them  fell 
With  all  the  earnest,  stiikinL?  power 
That  turns  to  ^-loom  the  brightest  hour. 

Then  in  the  lary'est  room  they  found 

They  danced  in  sets  l)oth  s({uare  and  round. 

Oh.  couhl  the  ])ortraits  on  the  wall. 

That  many  an  honored  nann^  recall. 

Have  glanced  down  through  the  lifelike  shade 

Of  lashes  that  the  Iniish  had  made, 

They  would  have  witnessed  more  than  we. 

While  in  the  Hesli,  can  hope  to  see; 

Or  had  they  tongues,  and  cared  to  speak 

About  each  frolic,  prank,  or  freak, 

34 


THE   BROWNIES   IN  MARCH. 


They  could  more  woikU'ou.s  tales  relate 
WiWM^^i     Tliaii  stin-ed  them  in  tlieir  mortal  state 


For  never  since  that  house  first  stood 
On  its  foundations  firm  and  good, 
Was  such  a  scene  enacted  tliere 
Of  dances  round  and  dances  square ; 
Strange  dances  that  are  only  seen 
In  Asiati(!  grova's,  I  ween, 


30 


THE   UliOWNIES    IN   MARCH. 


By  stroiinis  tliat  wutor  far  Cathay, 
Or  tliroiiiili  Japan's  rich  valleys  stray, 
Were  inti'oducod  and  foriiUMl  arijijht 
U])(tii  that  (*ar])ot  soft  and  ])rij;ht; 
Now  whirling'  I'ouiid,  now  s(inattinj;  low, 
Now  l)oundinji>'  like  the  stai'tlod  <loo, 

Until  tiicir  heads  came  very  near 
To  contact  Avith  the  (diaiidelier. 
Vor  Hi'ownies  have  elastic*  toes, 
As  lie  who  reads  their  history  knows. 
And  not  a  i-ahhit  of  the  plain. 
Or  acrohat  who  jumps  for  fj;ain. 
Or  spry  performers  anywliore, 
Can  sjH'liiiJC  more  liijhtly  in  the  air. 
Odd  titiui'cs,  that  are  only  found 
Where  ice  forever  coats  the  j^round 
And  peo[)le  wade  around  in  snow. 
And  dances  therefoi'e  must  l)o  slow, 
Upon  the  pro«;Tamme  found  a  place; 
And  thus  with  diujnity  and  j^raco 
The  (Mnniinj.?  Brownies  took  in  liund 
TIk'  dances  of  the  tVozen  land. 

Then  came  the  ])a)'n-door  ji^,  and  reel. 
And  tliui"-  that  tries  the  Hij^hland  heel, 
The  contra-dance,  fandango  too. 
And  ,<>;host-(lan(M'  of  tlu^  i)ainted  Sioux. 
All  chani!,in<^  ])artners  every  set, 
r^W''''Mi  '''''*'.y  howed  and  scraped,  and  crossed  and  met, 

\r    *!/  '\nd  carried  throujjjh  in  lively  way 

The  figures  of  the  present  day. 


:;() 


mmm 


THE  BUOWNIES   IN   MAIU'H. 

On  oi'imuu'iits  and  triiiiiiiin^s  stout 
Some  clinibc'd,  to  keep  a  sliarj)  lookout 
In  case  while  sport  went  on  they  'd  find 
Huiprises  of  a  sudden  kind, 
And  they  some  sif^'nal  would  reijuire 
Upon  the  instant  to  retire. 

They  sat  in  chairs 

l)oth  new  and  old, 

To  prove  how  many 

tlicy  wcmld  hold; 

And  on  them  jumped 

for  half  an  hour, 
To  try  their  strength  or  springing  i)ower. 
Although  no  time  they  had  to  sleep 
Ere  morning  light  would  on  them  creej), 
Some  Brownies  crawled,  with  laughter  gi'cat, 
Into  the  very  l)ed  of  state, 
Until  some  seven  faces  l)riglit 
Were  peeping  from  the  linen  white. 


Said  one:    "We  wish  to  have  it  said 
That  we  have  tried  the  nation's  hed. 
And  we  can  now  aver  with  pride 
That  Uncle  Sam  does  well  provide 
For  those  whom  ho  is  pleased  to  call 

To  Washington,  to  govern  all." 

a? 


..^^' 


■-%!«. 


^^■. 


I'm;  iMiowxTKs  IX  :\rAi{('ir. 


Alas!   so  many  Brownies  spry 
Were  anxious  on  that  bed  to  lie, 
Wherein  j^n'eat  men  had  taken  rest 
When  with  their  conntry's  eares  oi)i)ressed, 
They  hrokc  it  down,  and  tund)led  throuf^h 


;j« 


THE   iniOWNIKS    IN   MAUCH. 

Upon  the  Hoor  with  much  ado ; 

The  sphntcrcd  shits  and  parted  wim 

(jlavc  evidence  of  ruin  dire. 

Those  who  l)y  (diance  esca])ed  the  crash, 

Were  nowise  slow  to  make  a  dash 

To  aid  the  roj^ues  who  sank  from  sight 
Envehtped  in  the  bedding  white. 

And  work  enough  they  found  to  d(), 
As  from  the  creaking  wreck  they  (h'ew 
By  liands  and  lieels,  for  nier<^y's  sake, 
The  hapless  victims  of  the  break. 
Some  Brownies,  I'olled  into  a  ball, 
Had  scarcely  strength  for  aid  to  call; 
While  mor(>,  half  smothered  in  the  bed, 
Were  dragged  to  light  not  far  from  dead. 


Some  gas])ed  for  water,  some  foi"  wine 

Brought  from  the  vineyards  of  the  Rhine, 

And  every  sort  of  drink  had  found 

A  welcome  there,  had  they  Ijif'en  roimd. 

To  help  the  action  of  the  lieart. 

And  strength  to  nerves  and  brain  impart. 

The  tloor  was  littered  all  u.-out 

With  those  who  had  some  cause  to  shout. 

If  ])a(l  contusion,  break,  and  sprain 

(xavo  them  good  reason  to  complain; 

But  other  injuries  they  knew 

Than  outward  bniises,  Idack  and  blue. 

Internal  troubles,  doctors  say, 

Are  hardest  ailments  to  allay ; 


as) 


THK   lUlOWNIKS    IN   iMAUl  H. 


At  yoii\r  tasK 
bt   newer  Inte 
For  rije  moiTierits 
will  not  uJAit, 


And  now  the  doctors  of  the  l)and 
Had  cases  of  this  kind  on  hand: 
Some  swallowed  feathers,  hair,  and  dust, 
And  some  had  cotton  down  them  tiirust 
So  far.  they  donl)te<l  which  was  best  — 
To  take  it  (»ut,  or  let  it  rest. 

And  had  the  band  surprises  known 

While  in  that  wild  confusion  thrown, 

While  some  were  stm^fjlinj;  in  the  liold 

Of  twisted  wire,  or  blanket  fold, 

Or  by  the  shock  were  senseless  made, 

And  flat  upon  the  ('ar])et  laid, 

Th(\v  miii'ht  have  found  it  hard  indeed 

To  leave  with  all  their  wonted  s])eed ; 

But,  lucky  foi"  the  Browniie  Wnvv, 

No  ti'oublr  came  frcmi  su(di  u  H(mreo. 

"When  all  at  lenj^th  were  l)rouf]fht  to  -siew, 

To  work  the  active  Brownies  flew 

To  reconstruct  tlu'  bed  of  state 

That  nearly  ])rovi'd  a  ]>ed  of  fate. 

Said  one:    "Ambition  leads  astray 
Its  ill-starred  victims  day  by  day; 
The  race  for  wealth,  or  social  fame. 
Oft  ends  in  courts,  or  stripes  of  shame, 
And  even  we  may  troulde  find 
Through  an  ambitious  turn  of  mind." 
But  little  time  could  they  remain 
To  moralize  on  louj^injjs  vain. 
Because  the  eastern  sky  was  spread 
With  streaks  of  purple  and  of  red. 


■10 


"PP 


mm 


THE   UROWNTES   TN   MARCH. 


Which  told  tlic  snii  was  on  its  wuy 

To  opi'ii  wide  tlic  gjitcs  of  day, 

And  lot  the  golden  tlood  of  light 

Disjx'l  once  more  the  gloom  of  night. 

So  Brownies  hastened  from  the  .spot — 

Wlio  took  the  L'ad  it  mattered  not 

So  all  could  find  a  place  to  hide 

Where  they  tlmnigli  day  conld  safely  hide ; 

And  with  a  view  of  keeping  clear 

Of  swampy  fields  or  marshes  drear, 

Now  dark  against  the  In'ightening  sky 

They  ran  along  on  ridges  high, 

Wliere  greatest  speed  could  l)e  attainetl, 

And  hiding-places  quickly  gained. 


^11  the  sfilrs  (irf  K^O'te  Uun! 
We  must  scam/tifr  f<ir  tt  noit/. 


41 


> 


Ik 


^111  K    1^1  JO  W  NIKS 


IN    APIilL. 


('Veiling',  wlicii  tlic  fields  were  Imvo, 

And  mildrr  <,n"('\v  tlio  April  tiir, 

Tli(>  Brownies  mot,  willi   faces  brij];lit, 

In  ])leasant  spoi't  to  s])end  the  niglit. 

Foi'  lioni's  they  had  l»een  st(nv(Ml  away 

In  waitii'.u'  for  the  close  of  day — 

Some  jammed  in  hollows  of  tli(»  trees, 

Alore  cronclied  upon  their  hands  and  knees 

Behind  the  lo^'s  and  honlders  white 

That  hid  them   from   the  jieople's  sii^ht, 

Wiio  still  were  passini;-  to  and  fro 

rpon  the  waii'on  roail   helow. 

To  sec  and  not   he  seen  Ihey  aim, 

And  s(|neczed  in  eveiy  shajx'  the  frame, 

Tjike  Weasels  in  a  fence  of  stone 

1'liey   showed   a   nose   or  eye  alone. 

And  e\-ery  monieiil    pojjped  a   face 

Anew  fi'om  some  nnlooked-foi-  ]»lace. 

The  hnman  kind  hotli  small  and  yreat 

fan   never  ti-uly  estimate 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  APRIL. 


,^ 


How  oft  they  ai'o, 
when  passing'  hy, 
Fit  ohiects  for      ^ 


a  Brownie's  eye.  ^ 

They  see  them  -^.^..^PlpSSf^f  SS^Sl^JpS;:?^ '.  •- 

in  their  hiisy  r^-^^^^^^^^?^^/:^'!.^  -. 


When  excrcisiiin'  all  their  powers; 

They  see  them  wlien  they  sliii'k  their  task, 

Or  for  too  iMiicli  of  others  ask  ; 


im\ 


top  "lojt 

roaiici  v/ou\i 

u)  i  n 
Upward 
steppi  n4' 


THE  BEOWXTES   IN   ArRHi. 

Tlu'v  know  the  ones  who  freely  give 
That  sick  and  or^jhan  Imlx's  may  live, 
And  see  the  hand  withhold  the  cent 
Tliat  for  the  heathen  should  he  spent; 
They  know  when^  frowns  too  niueh  ahide, 
And  where  destruction  follows  pride ; 
They  know  that  underneath  the  sniile 
The  villain  oft   may  lurk  the  while; 
They  know  that  lips  may  kisst's  press, 
And  ])out   displeasure  none  the  less; 
And  Brownies  do  not  soon  forget 

Impressions  that  ai'e         HIV        (irndy  set, — 
What  once  tlicy  leai'ii,      Bt^^        yon  may  l)i'  sure, 
^\'ill  in  their  memory  long  endm'C. 

I)Ut  hands  move  round  the  dial-plate, 
And  hours  will  |)ass,  if  one  can  wait 
Until  the  moving  seconds  slow 
Shall  iilc  their  I'ccords  as  they  go; 
So  liright    the  sunny  lioui's  ])assed, 
And  flitting  l»ats  came  out  at  last, 
'i'heii.  with  a  whispei',  sign,  or  call. 
The   Hi'ownies  soon  connneneed  to  crawl 
Fi'oiii   hiding-places  here  and  thei'e, 
For  ev(  iiing  pleasures  to  ])i'epare. 
Said  one:    "The   month   at   lengtii  is  hei-e, 
'i'o  ev(  ry  youugstei-'s  heart  so  dear, 
Because  the  coutdiT  far  and  widi^ 
flas  thing  its   wilder  coat  aside. 
And   they   those   pleasures  can   renew 
That  were  denied  the  season  tlwouifli. 


44 


THE  BKOWNIES  IN   APRIL. 

A^ain  tlie  sidewalk,  marked  with  clialk, 
Tells  where  to  hop,  or  skip,  or  walk; 
Again  the  hoops  are  rolling  spry, 
Again  the  kites  are  soaring  high, 
Again  the  tops  on  every  street 
Are  spinning  round  the  pi'ophi's  feet, 
And  Brownies  should  not  he  hehind 
At  tiying  sport  of  every  kind." 

Another  said:    "The  truth  you  speak; 
New  life  now  glows  in  eveiy  cheek, 
Peiuied  np  for  months  without  a  ehance 
In  open  air  to  run  and  dance : 
They  nuist,  indeed,  with  pleasure  hail 
The  time  when  outdoor  sports  prevail. 
As  for  ourselves,  we  httle  care : 
Through  all  the  year  we  have  our  share 
Of  fun;    however  cold  or  luA 
The  months  may  be,  it  matters  not. 
But  still  some  play  may  not  he  wrong 
That  to  tlie  present  days  bi'long. 
The  time  of  year  is  now  at  hand 
For  troops  to  march  in  ordtc  gr-md, — 
To  tramp  ahout  as  soldiers  do 
Might  well  hecome  tlie  BrowTiio  ■  low. 
For  me,  I  like  that  sort  of  tli  ng, — 
To  step  erect,  to  wheel,  and  bring 
Myself  around  in  projier  ])ose 
To  either  face  my  friends  or  foes. 
But  some,  1   know,  would  rather  hop, 

Or  s})in  for  hours  a  buzzing  top; 

45 


THE   imOWNIES   IN   APRIL. 


Wliilc  othoi's  still  im'fei'  to  stoop 
And  cliaso  for  miles  a  rolling  lioop. 
There  's  no  aeeounting  for  one's  taste : 
Some  like  to  skip,  more  like  to  paste 
A  kite,  and  watch  it  jmrndly  sail 
Above  the  town  with  streaming  tail.'" 

A  third  remarked :    "  We  might  indeed 
To  different  kinds  of  sport  proceed. 
But  I  know  wlu>re  we  can  pi'ovide 
Oui'selves  with  hoops  to  roll  and  guide 
With  careful  hand,  until  we  prove 
Who  l)est  can  keep  one  on  the  move; 
And  if  I  don't  mistake  my  man, 
You  '11  see  me  hounding  in  the  van 
Ere  many  scjuares  are  gone  about, 
Oi'  many  furlongs  measured  out. 
Because  I  "m  neither  lame  nor  Idind, 
N(»r  out  of  ti'aining,  as  you  '11  find. 
But  can  the  highest  speed  maintain 
Until  a  given  ])oint  I  gain." 
This  brought  replies  from  half  the  band, 
And  all  declared  they  could  not  stand 
Such  talk  while  tliey,  themselves,  were  ble.st 
With  s))eed  not  second  to  the  best. 
This  wordy  war,  as  one  might  know, 
Soon  made  them  all  decide  to  go 
And  get  the  lioops,  and  i)rove,  hideed, 
If  one  i'(tuld  all  the  others  lead. 
A  building,  standing  near,  that  eve 
Was  ))r(»mptly  entered  without   leave; 

46 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  APRIL. 


^'^A/f.. 


f  Co^: 


Bui   that  is  ((uitc  a  coiinuon  tiling 
With  Brownies,  who  such  {)ow('i"  hriiig 


TFIE   HUOWNIES    IN   AI'KIL. 


Tliiit  locks  Jill  prove  of  no  uvail, 

And  scarce  need  mention  in  tlie  tale. 

Soon  liarrels  were  rolled  to  open  air, 

Where  each  c(,u](l  •••et  his  proper  share 

Of  woi'k  at  ^tll|>pinll^  li()o])s  away 

To  serve  Iheni  throni^li  their  evening  play. 

Mi'e  loiiti"  the  Brownies'  fun  ])e,i>"an 

As  in  an  anxious  crowd  they  ran. 

All  strivinii'  to  keej)  well  controlled 

The  hoops  that  fast 
1m 'fore  them  rolled. 


<feth!m„. 


'.^^'^ 


In  vain  each   Brownii 
in  that  race 


Would  Iry  to  hold 'the  foreinost  jdaee, 
Foi'  ill  the  height  of  all  their  [iride, 


■18 


THE    IMtOWNIKH    [N    Al'itTL. 


iM 


Suinc  I'oct  would  trip,  or  hoops  collide, 
Winch  often  to  a  tuiii])lc  led. 
Then  some  one  else  would  shoot  ahead, 
And  those  wliosc^  chance  was  counted  poor, 
Throu^-h  slips  or  falls  would  thus  secure 
A  i)lace  in  fi'ont,  and  for  a  while 
Be  wearing  a  triumphant  smile. 

They  rolle<l  tluin  up  and  down  the  hill, 
Around  the  church  and  tlour-mill, 


^Pp€-f^ 


ifi^ifh  ,y-_  --  'igrjv!^;^ 


And  o'er  the  bridge,  without  a  rail, 
Whore  one  misstep  might  woe  entail 

On  half  the  hand,  so  close  they  ran 

Along  the  edges  of  the  span. 

One  well  may  won<ler,  crowding  so. 

How  hoops  were  kept  upon  the  go. 

40 


THF.    HHOWNIES    IN   AI'lUTi. 


But  Brownies  have  a  mystic  way 
Beyond  the  reach  of  mortal  clay, 
xViid  we  can  only,  wondering',  jjjaze, 
And  feel  impelled  to  lavish  praise. 

To  ]>e  the  first  is  much, 

you  '11  find, 
With  them  as  with 

the  human  kind; 
And  though  a  second 

]daco  or  juize 
Is  duly  valued 

in  their  eyes, 
'T  is  only.  si)eakin,n'  hy  the  letter, 
Accei>ted  wlien  they  can't  d(»  ])etter. 
At  times  they  left  the  dusty  road 
And  tln'ouyh  the  Helds  endurance  showed, 

Witli  many  a  tap  and  harder  whack 
'i'o  >iiv(^  the  hoops  the  proper  tack, 
'i'hus  sport  went  on,  witli  hero  and  there 
An  accident,  or  sud<len  scare, 
^Vllich  still  is  likely  to  he  fonnd 
W'hii'e  dai'int;'  lirownies  scamper  round. 
Some  hi'ok<'  theii"  iioops,  and  had  to  stop 
To  mend,  and  far  Ix'hind  would  drop; 
Some  lost  their  iiats,  and  others  tore 
The  stronu'est  iiarments  that  they  wore; 
Tiitil  it  seemed  as  if  the  play 
Would  prove  ex])ensive  in  its  way. 
And  hrjiio-  the  tailors  of  the  hand 
Next  niorniiiy-  into  uood  demand. 

50 


THE   UnoWN'rKS    IN   AI'IML. 


Ob. 


TTIK   liKOWNIKH  IN    APHIL. 


■'■"^r- 


^TfCoX 


And  in  a  tliousaiul  other  ways 
JIad  won  from  all  the  lii^ln'st  pruisi' — 
Now  taken  (luickly  from  their  sight, 
While  fun  was  at  its  jfreatest  heif^ht, 
To  stru^iile  in  a  place  that  giive 
Small  )»i-omist'  hnt  to  ])e  their  j^rave ! 
So  wild  aiai'ms  wei'C  (juickly  spread, 
And  comi'ades  yathered  there  in  dread, 
And  foi'  a  moment  tried  in  vain 
A  iilimpsc  of  those  helow  to  {j^ain. 


Hut 


thoui-ii   their  eves  ec 


)nld  nanurht  hehold, 


The  splashinj;"  and  the  shontinji;  told 
They  still  had  life,  and  wonld  l)e  fj;lad 
If  lU'onipt   assistance  conld  he  had. 
Then  for  a  time  it  htoked,  indexed. 


As  if  the   Mrownies  must 


j)rocee« 


1 


Th(M'eafter  to  their  nifj,htly  praidvs 

With  iifrievonsly  diminished  ranks. 

But   I>rownies,  hless  them!   how  they  spring 

To  save  from  harm  the  slightest  thing, 

52 


THE   UKOWNIKS   IN   AI'IUL. 


Much  nioi'o  to  iv.scuo  three  or  four 

Whose  loss  they  (lee]>ly  would  «le])loro. 

No  leiif^tliy  rope  was  thereal»oiit 

Witli  which  to  draw  their  comrades  out, 

Who  iM'oved  by  many  a  thrilliuj^  note 

They  mauaj^ed  still  to  keep  atioat. 

But  soon  the  cunning  Brownies  planned 

A  way  to  lend  a  helping  hand; 

Indeed,  delay  in  .such  a  spot 

Would  soon  prove  fatal  to  thi^  l<jt. 

Because  the  well  was  dee])  and  old. 

And  water  at  the  time  was  cold, 

And  would  not  please  them  as  it  might 

Upon  some  sulti-y  summer's  night. 

The  lofty  sweep  that  o'er  them  stood 
AVas  inade  to  render  service  good : 
To  tliis,  ere  many  moments  pas.sed, 
They  nuide  an  empty  barrel  fa.st. 
Meanwhile  a  few  took  time  to  throw 
Encouragement  to  tlio.se  helow, 
And  told  with  words  of  hope  and  love 
How  work  was  going  on  al)()ve. 

The  active  Brownies  jumped  around, 

Each  aiding  where  a  chance  he  found; 

And  soon  tiie  parts  wer(>  well  supplied. 

And  firm  and  fast  the  knots  they  tied; 

Then  lowered  with  a  cheering  yell 

The  life-preserver  down  the  well. 

The  wretches  who  received  the  fall 

Were  glad  enough  in  this  to  crawl, 


'%k 


I'lii:  itiiowxiKs  i\  Ai'inr 


A    prnlH'l'    |il;irc 

So.  llius  iissistfd 
It   iiiiuiil   ni-lit'l 
III   fact,  wlifii 
A   iiii-iilii'i'  siiiri 
Aipl  <|uii'k<'iis 
Willi  -tiiikI 
Ndw   ii|i.  11(1 
Till'   virtiiiis 
AihI  siitV, 

ii  di'lpiiiiiii' 

III  coiir^r  (if 

caiiH'  ill 

'I'llrll    slllllltS 

I'rdiii  a 


."•)i 


THE   HKOWNIKH   IN   Al'llIL. 

And  iiiiiiiy  stivtcliiMl  a  williiii;  liaiid 

'[\>  ui<l  tln'ir  coinradcs  tVoiii  the  swiiiy' 

That  l»i'()ii;^lit    tliciM   IVoiii  tli<'  iry  spi-iiij;-. 

Oh,  hai)|»y  hour!    when  they  could  tiiid 

Safe  in  their  anus  coiupanions  i\ind, 

From  (hin<i;('i'  that  no  hl't-  had  cost, 

Tiionuh  all  wcit'  looked  npon  as  lost. 

With  tVclinj;  sjyokc  a  Browjiic  hi'i<i;ht : 

"Our  friends  we  seldom  vahie  riyht, 

However  well  they  may  he  tried, 

'Till  they  are  taken  from  our  si(U'; 

We  then  can  estimate  how  l)lest 

Were   we   who  such   tl'Ue  friends  ]»ossessed, 

And  <fraees  name  and  vii'tues  tind. 

To  which  our  eyes  were  wholly  hlindl" 


Then  all  aronnd  the  hlazino;  wood 
To  warm  themselves  those  Brownies  stood, 
Still  thanking?  fri(>nds  for  timely  aid, 
And  praisinf?  them  for  skill  dis])layed ; 
And  scarcely  was  their  clothinn'  dry 
When  si^ns  of  day  showed  in  the  sky. 


CD 


THE   JSKOAVNTEM  IN   Al'lilL. 


in  t iv I  r 

but 

10  ire  most 

in  t^|e 

won  lit 
Vjolcl  your 
pl.Tce, 


F^ut  I'lv  tli(\v  s<)U<i-lit  ii  safe  rotrcut, 

Once  iiioiv  they  liasti'iu'd  tlmniKli  tlu'  street, 

To  thai   .K'sci'tctl  Imildinii;  bound 

When-  tlit'ir  siii»|»ly  of  lioops  was  t'omid, 

To  i>nt  thfin  in  their  i)r()})er  place 

With   willinu:  hands  in  every  case, 

That  never  throui^di  the  Brownies'  sport 

A  dealer  eoul<l  a  loss  repoil. 

Then  hoops  weic  set,  as  <me  may  tliink, 

With  many  a  hasty  rap  and  clink; 

And  ttarrels  lliat  liad  dropped  apart 

Were  fixi'd  with  all  the  cooper's  art, 

I'titil  each  one.  as  u'ood  as  when 

it  (nit\vai'(l  lolled,  was  stored  again. 


Whtri  rhe  birds  cnmrtifnreroclitp 


no 


m 


tw 


THE    BROW\[KS    IX    M.\^; 

^  May  l)roujiht  j^'huliicss  to  tlic  land, 
And  signs  of  life  on  (•\<'iy  liand, 
And  tutU't'ul  l>i]'ds  ])oui('<l  out  their  song 
In  richest  tones  the  whoh'  day  long, 
The  Brownies  met  to  '-arrv  througli 
Some  work  they  liad  that  nigiit  in  view. 
They  met,  according  to  their  plan. 
Where  turnpikes  at  right  angles  ran, 
And  so  in  several  ditferent  ways 
They  hurried  through  the  evenhig  haze. 
All  straining  every  nerve  and  joint 
To  rea<di  on  time  the  meeting-))oint. 


Tf|e  busy  Ijand  and  Kind 
Will  Icaup  gooti  uvurlfs  bcljiijd. 


mi 


PI 


THE   nUOWNIES    IN   AIAY. 


Nor  tliiiik  it  rifi;ht  for  some  to  play, 

Or  dilly-dally  by  the  way, 

AVhile  others  stamp  impatient  feet 

Or  sit  upon  the  anxious  seat. 

Wlien  Brownies  say,  "At  six  we  '11  dine," 

They  do  not  mean  it  shall  l)e  nine. 

Because  one's  chessiny'  is  too  slow, 

Or  lie  nmst  ehat  an  hour  or  so. 

And  stare  in  windows  at  the  price 

Of  t]iin«>-s  so  very  clu'ap  and  nice, 

Tli(»  Brownie  j^nest  arrivini;-  late 

Will  not  he  troid)led  witli  a  plate. 

Oi'  when  they  say,  "At  dark  we  '11  meet," 

On  such  a  road,  or  sudi  a  street, 

No  tardy  laundress  makes  tliem  late; 

No  gaiters  niourninti'  for  a  mate. 

No  glove>*  mis]dace(l  hy  careless  hands 

Take  moments  that  the  trip  demands; 

Bnt,  with  perhaps  som(>  time  to  spare, 

The  Brownie  hand  will  all  he  ther(^ 

All  l)reathless  with  a  lengthy  race 

The  Brownies  gathered  at  tht^  place; 

Then  started  off  at  once  to  find 

Tiie  pie<'e  of  woik  they  had  in  mind, 

And  soon  before  a  dwelling  tine 

The  band  drew  n\)  in  (hmble  hue. 

Said  one:    "This  house  we  stand  alunit 

Is  all  in  shape  for  titling  out. 

The  furniture  is  ready  all. 

The  carpets  lying  in  tlie  hall, 


5!) 


THi:    miOWNII.s   IN    MAY. 


1 


The  |ia]K'i'  t'oi-  the  walls  is  tlu'rc 
111  rolls,  piled  uiKU'i'iicath  the  stair; 
But  ti'(>ul)le  ot  a  serious  kind 
Has  luucli  disturbed  the  people's  mind 
Who  here  intended  to  reside, 
And  so  all  tliiiii^'s  are  laid  aside. 
Thus  jteople  oft  a  hlank  will  draw 
Though  plans  are  laid  witliont  a  tiaw. 
Ves.  thou!;li  they  stndy  day  by  day 
And  throw  no  precious  hours  away, 
ImiI   lie  awakt'  of  iiiy-lits  to  plan 
S()nn>  beltei'  way  to  eojie  with  man, 
Still  unforeseen  misfortunes  rise 
And  every  hope  in  rnin  lies, 
Sotiietiines  a  shar]>  decline  in  stocks 
The  bottom  ont  of  business  knocks; 
Suiiietiines  a  contlaii'ratioii  dire 
Sends  fdi'tuiies  up  ill  smoke  and  fire; 
Sonietiines  the  (trie  who  was  to  tread 
The  altar  ste])s,  with  tlowers  sjtread, 
Alas!    with  treiublini;-  limbs  has  trod 
Tlie  patiiway  to  the  broken  sod,"' 


Another  said 


think  our  skill 


Will  answer  all  demands  that  will 
l^e  made  to-nii,dit,  in  every  case, 
While  pnttini>'  things  in  proj)er  place. 
If  Brownies  cannot   drive  a  tack, 
But   up  a  bedstead  or  a  ra(dv, 
'T  is  lime  we  should  be  In'afjiyinf;  less 
Ahoui  the  powers  that  we  possess." 

00 


i 


THE  BROWNIES  IN   MAY. 

A  third  ropluMl:    "J  think  so  too, 
And  I,  for  oiio,  my  shan^  will  do, 
I  Ctire  not  whether  on  the  floor 
J  stretch  the  carpet  more  and  more, 
Or  with  the  paste  the  walls  I  smear, — 
1  '11  do  my  portion,  neA^er  fear. 
At  outdoor  work  I  've  done  my  share, 
As  those  w^ho  know  me  can  declare ; 
I  Ve  proved  myself  no  nerveless  l)oy 
With  hod,  or  })i('kax,  spade  or  loy; 
And  those  wlio  '11  try  me  even  now 
Will  have  to  wipe  a  sweating  hrow." 

Another  cried:    "Whatever  i)art 

You  take  in  hand  to  show  your  art. 

Or  mode  of  working,  fast  and  free. 

You  '11  find,  I  think,  your  match  in  me. 

I  'm  not  the  one  to  advertise 

What  I  can  do  wlien  wants  arise; 

But  it  inventions  are  required 

Just  call  on  one  who  is  inspired." 

So  chatting  freely,  plans  were  hud 
And  soon  a  move  the  Brownies  made ; 
Some  in  the  room  spread  carpets  wide 
And  held  them  down  at  either  side, 
Still  stretching  them  to  suit  the  case. 
While  others  tacked  them  in  their  place. 
Some  on  the  ladders  stood  to  spread 
The  paste  on  walls  high  over  head, 
WhiU>  others  hung  the  paper  there 
Without  a  wrinkle,  twist  or  tear; 

01 


) 


THE   imOAVNIES  IN   MAY. 


And  llicii  tln'  l»()V(l('i'  pasted  fust, 

To  make  a  fine  cft'cct  at  last. 

What   iM.wcr  lies  in   Brownies'  hands! 

What  skill  til  answci-  all  demands! 

Oiitdodrs  (ir  indddi's,  all  the  same, 

Till'  liiiilicst   praise  they  ri^'htly  claim. 

Xo  old  indentures  can  he  found 

To  jii'ove  they  were  to  masters  hound, 

Who  hoxed  them  Well  alxmt  the  ears 

l''or  dnllinii'  saws  or  ])reakinj^'  shears; 

No  one  has  (dainied  in  note  or  will 

To  him   they  owe  their  wondi'ous  skill, 

Or  thi'onL;h  his  I'ostei'inif  care  had  jjjainod 

The  honoivd  place  they  have  attained. 


r^0^. 


THE  BROWNIES  IN   MAY. 


No  strong  trados-iinions,  old  or  now, 
Their  slu'ltcriiig  arras  around  thorn  tlnvw, 
But  through  the  dust  of  centuries  dead, 
With  skilful  hand  and  cunning  head, 
They  rose  equipped  for  every  task 
That  night  could  })ring,  or  need  could  ask — 
A  hand,  indeed,  to  which  one  tunis 
When  hope  into  the  socket  hums, 
And  other  hands  than  mortal  may 
Take  up  the  tools  we  fling  away. 

So  work  went  on 

as  moments  flew, 
For  much  the  Brownies 

had  to  do. 
They  put  the  hat-rack 

in  the  hall. 
The  calendar 

upon  the  wall, 
And  hoisted  up 

th(^  ancient  clock 
Into  its  niche 

without  a  shock ; 
Then  wound  it  up,  and  set  it  right, 
According  to  the  time  of  night; 
For  though  the  Brownies  never  hear 
A  watch,  or  any  such  affaii'. 
The  rooster  knows  not  hotter  when 
To  crow,  and  rouse  the  slee])ing  lien, 
Than  do  the  cunning  Brownies  know 
The  flitting  moments  as  they  go. 

63 


THK   UKOWXFKS   I\   MAY. 

Then  busy  liaiids  the  })i('tuivs  found 
Tluit  \v<>ro  to  j^a'iice  the  walls  around; 
And  \v\t]\  the  rest,  to  tlieii'  d«dif;ht, 
A   Brownie  ])i('tuiv  came  in  sij^lit. 
And  with  discvihiination  fine 
'Plicy  linnj?  it  on  tlio  favor  line, 
Wlicrc  the  obsorvinji  eye  could  rest 
L'lMtu  it,  from  all  points  the  best. 


Tlicii  hainiiifi's  for  a  time  were  still 
As  Hrowiii.'s  did  the  ])arlor  till, 
All  d'owdiiii-;  there  in  ^Teut  surprise, 
Till'  work  of  art  to  eiiticize. 
One  spdkc,  when  he  had  looked  with  care 
At  every  Brownie  numinjf  there. 
"But  one,"  said  he,  ''as  far  as  known 
Has  to  the  world  th<'  Brownies  shown 
Drawn  to  the  life,  and  all  the  hand 
('om]»letc.  as  heiv  to-iiiirht  we  stand; 
And  though  the  name  is  wantinjjj  here, 
I  lis  style  of  handling  us  is  clear. " 
III 


THE  BROWNIES  IN   IMAY. 


No  sooner  was 

tilt'  carpet  laid 
And  paper  on 

the  walls  displayed, 
Thau  they  ])egan, 

with  nmch  ado, 
All  soi'ts  of  thing's 

to  bi-ing-  in  view. 


/^'SLr-otrl    COX 


And  wliile  they  pushed,  with  eager  haste, 
A  ladder-  was  at  times  displaced 
Whereon  some  stood  to  hang  aright 
The  mirrors  and  the  mottoes  hright. 
Then  down  would  rattle,  in  a  fall, 
The  Brownies,  ornaments  and  all. 
But  many  a  man  arul  w^ife  can  tell 
How  moving  tries  the  patience  well, 

And  how  they  are  both  lame  and  sore 

a  task 
this  is  o'er, 
ler  not 
at  Brownies  found 


fALi>ieti     Cott '^^^^ 


Some  hardshi[)s  as  they  worked  around. 
Said  one:    "My  friends,  but  that  I  grieve 

00 


w^i  '.tmmm.immim 


THE   BROWNIES    IN   MAY. 


For  pcojjlo  in  distri'ss,  T  M  Icjivo 
Tlif  work  just  wlici'c  it  is,  and  ^o 
To  soitir  retreat,  and  never  show 
'I'lie  least  coiieern  in  such  a  faso, 
Or  knock  my  joints  all  ont   of  i»laee." 


lint   t 


liouiili  one  lier«'  and  there  would  uet 


i)isc(iiniii:'e(l  at   the  ills  thev  met, 


Tl 


le  mass  of  workei's  wove  content 


To  finish  all  hefore  they  went. 
And  kept  eiiii'a.yed  without  a  rest 
Ai'i'aniiiiii'-  thinfi's  as  pleased  tliem  best. 


Of 


oiu'se.  slin-ht  accidents  1>efell- 


Some  ai'ticjcs.  1 


lowevei'   We 


liey    Workeil    to    keep    the    pieces   wlloh 


At   t 


iliies   would   yet    hcNond   control. 


And  overt  ui'iied,  or  downward  Hew, 
To  cause  alarms,  and  daniaL'e,  too. 


IS  true  some  tlnnys  rec<'ived  a  1)1 


ow 


That 


lowered  them  ill  pi-ice,  yon  know. 


Jint   that  mi-iht  happen  anywl 


icre 


oi; 


<Si 


THE   BIJOWNTES   IN    MAY. 

With  scTvaiits  showing  ^'cjitt'st  care 
Said  one:  "Tliciv  is  a  time  t'( 


And  tinu'  for  woi-k,  as  writers  say; 
But  work  o'er  which  sonic  make  a  fuss, 
Or  strive  t(»  shii'k,  is  fun  for  ns. 
Wo  Brownies  don't  s])en(l  all  our  hours 
In  secret  caves,  or  sliady  howers. 
But  now  and  tlien,  as  folks  will  find, 
Come  forth  to  render  service  kind; 
And  when  we  tui'u  our  hands  to  toil 
There  \s  not  a  tiller  of  the  soil 


TIIH    liltOWNIKH   IN    MAY. 


Or  liimdicrfit'tsmaii   in  the  liiiid 

Can  lidld  ii  ciUHllr  (<•  the  hand!" 

Hnt  ill!  the  same,  the  ti-utli  to  tell, 

TIk'V  tunnd  smiu'  tliinu's  that  tried  thcni  well. 

Not   nscd  to  all  thf  ins  and  outs 
Of  inotU'rn  funiituiv, 

sonic  shouts 
Would  now  and  tlum 

t'i'(»ni   Bi'ownies  rise 
That  told  of  tnuUdo 

and  surprise 
Where  through  a  suddeu 
heave  or  suap 


liev   were  renui 


uled 


of  a  traj), 
And,  heads  aud  heels, 
in  i^n'at  disnuiy. 


Were  folded  ii|)  aiid  store(I  away, 
\\  liile  wlmt   to  sa\'  or  what  to  do 


To  111 


irraii'  them   no  one   Uiiew, 


As  iiiDi'iiiiiu'  close  and  (doser  drew, 


The   I 


irownie  workers  faster  tlew 


l''roiii  room  to  iMom,  ahove,  helow, 
l-'or  the\    Were  neithei"  slack  nor  s 


As  when  some  cveati 


h)w. 
hoof 

histi'.i'lis  the  ants'  sand-castle  roof, 
And  those  amused  in  fear  and  doul)t 


u-e  s  passing 


W 


itli   liau'  and   l)au'.i;'ai;'e  run  ahout. 


So  I'uslied  each   Hrownie  with  his  lojid, 
Now  hlockiny-  up  a  comrade's  road, 


THK    liHoWNIKS    IN   MAY, 


Now  tninhlinj;  over  what  lie  Ixn-e, 
Or  dropping;  tlint  to  run  t'oi*  more. 
When  everything,  from  first  to  last, 
Had  through  their  hands  in  order  passed, 
And  all  the  house  looked  clean  and  new, 
So  they  had  nothing  else  to  do 
But  quit  the  place,  and  get  from  sight 
While  there  was  yet  a  shade  of  night, 
Said  one:    "I  wish  we  could  provide 
A  plac(^  near  l)y  tliis  house  to  hide, 
So  we  might  watch  the  gi'cat  surprise 
That  will  cjilarge  the  ])eople's  ('y<'s 
When  they  arrive  and  gaze  around 
And  see  that  (n^erything  has  found 
Its  ])lace,  as  well  as  if  their  care 
Aud  skill  had  hccn  exerted  there. 
But  we  nnist  now  he  on  the  move 
And  every  tick  of  time  improve. 
Or  else  not  all  oui*  powei's  to  run 
Can  save  us  tVom  tlie  rising  sun." 

But  morning  light 
came  on  apace 

And  found  the  Brownies 
in  the  place. 

Then  wild  and  stirring 
scenes  hegan, 
As  from  the  upper  floors  they  ran  : 
Some  took  the  steps  with  active  spring. 
As  light  as  hirds  upon  the  wing, 
While  more,  to  save  a  moment's  time, 


(lit 


UK    r.ltinVNIKS    IN    MAY. 


■^^^^mm. 


^i^ 


JKi'-yiJ 


^_^e*e::: 


y^^',^' 


THK   iiJiOWNlKfS   IN   JUNE. 

A  street  or  squave,  or  wildly  toss 

Their  limbs  above  a  fence  (»)•  wall 

Upon  tlie  safest  side  to  fall. 

■\nd  slioi't  the  time  they  now  re(|uired 

To  rea<di  the  lii(liii<^-])la('e  desired. 

Where   (hey  eoiild  rest  l)oth   hand  and  head 

Till  iiiuht  once  iiioi-e   her  iiiaiith    spread. 


ay 


,ay, 

'S 

ake 
•ross 


TIIK   iJKOWNlKS    IN   jrXK. 


M^   niu'ht  ill  June,  when  skies  wei'e  (deai 
Thi'  Brownies  soui-'ht  a  city  neai". 
Hi^ht  well  theii'  }»lans  had  all  liecn   laid 
To  rea(di  the  tovrn  at  eveninji'  sha<le, 
And  spend  the  nijjfht  in  sporting-  there 
Upon  a  bridge  so  hiyli  in  aii* 

That  ships  tVoni  every  counti-y  ran 

In  safety  underneath  its  span. 

Impatiently,  you  well  may  think. 

They  waited  for  th(    sun  to  siid<. 

It  seemed  to  loiter  in  the  sky 

And  vexed  tlieui  as  the  time  drew  nijj^h 

71 


Tf^c  u)orlct  is  cold 

totljose  ujl^offtil 

So  Iif'Opyuiirl;olol 


Till     l'.i;(t\VNIi;s    IN    .UNE 


I-'or  tliciii  u>  start   upon  tlii'ii-  way, 
l'"i()iii  stations  tliat    tln'oiiii'li  all   tlic  day 
Atl'ui'di'd  tlicin  a  i-cstin^  place, 
And  scivrncd  tlicni  from  tlif  Ininian  race 


It    lias  to   In'   a   uifti'd   v\{' 

That   fan   the  ciiinniii;'  Eii'ownirs  spy; 

No  i(iuniionpla<M'.  plain  hnsiiioss  si<flit 

Can  lirin;^'  tlic  shadowy  I'Oju'ncs  to  lig'lit : 

It  takes  a  \'isioii  slron^'ci'  far 

Than   that    to  sec  tliciu  as  tlicy  two 

\\  JHii  h\    ilic  rocks  and  \vvvs  coiKM'alcd 

They   wait   llnii'  turn   t(t  take  the  Held. 

<  Mic  Ilia)-  iic  (piick   to  note  a  flaw 
In  Liraiuiiiar.  ctitpU'tti',  oi-  law; 

<  *!■  ill  tlif  It'dti'cr-i'ohnnn  sre 

A   luiiiici'al   whnv  it   should  n't   l»o; 
l''ind  ci'i-ors  in  tln' 

j^roccr's  liill, 
Or  liyiitiK'ss  in  his  wi'ig'lit, 

but  still 
r.ack  special  sluu'])iU"SS 

to  bcliold 
The  sli<;ddcsl  y'lijupsc  of 

Brownies  hold ; 


Tin:    imOWNIKS    IN   ,||\K 


Tlmt   thrv  tlirouyl 


1      SCIM 


iiid-siylit  (•;iu  mark 


TiK'ir  (luiiiu«  ill  tlir  liiiiil   and  dark 


UK    IIKOWMI'.S    IN    .H'N'i:. 


The  wislii'd-foi-  iijolit   soon  iiijidr  lior  call 
A 11. 1  spread  (Ml-  land  and  sea   Itt-r  pall, 


■-^'i 


THE    BIJOWXIKS    IN    .irXK. 

And  sciircc  tlic  l»;i)    liad  tric-l   its  wiiit^ 
Beforo  tin'  lii-ownics  in  ii  striiii;- 
Were  ski])j)iii«i-  <l")\vn  tln'  rojid  ir  ^\ee 
To  reach  tliosc  citit's  l>y  tlie  sea. 
Tlicy  iH'cdcd  not   the  huildinus  tall, 
Bnt   to  the  lii'idii'f  fast  Inu'ricd  all. 

Tli(\v  rraclicil  it  when  the  lamps'  lii'ii>-lit  glaro 

kcvcaled  its  bowed   |>ro]»oi1ioiis  fail', 

With  ends  well  andioi'cd  cithri'  side 

In  cities  s])readinj>'  t'ai'  and  wide. 

From  root's  (A'  huildint^'s  standing;'  niji;h, 

The  Brownies  li'ot  a  (diancc  to  eye 

The  strn<-tni'e  stretched  with  yraci'tul  sweeji 

.Across  the  ri\'er,  ilark  and  deep. 

Said  one:    "We  hei an   sport   and  {day 

Upon  this  hridg'e  till   hreak  of  day, 
Of  seeinu'  wonders  never  tiro, 
Nor  lai-k  a  tdiance  to  elinil)  a  wire. 
In  fact.  ea<di   mendtei'  iiei'e  ean  find 
A  rojx'  to  snit  his  hand  or  mind. 
On  which  to  cliinh,  or  swing-  at  ease 
Jjike  niotd\eys  (tn   Brazilian  trees." 
Now  here  and  tliere  the  Brownies  went. 
On  seeinu-  all  the  Itridge  inteid  ; 
Soin<'  ha<l   till'  ner\-e 
and  strength 
to  ci'awl 
At  once  upon 

the  towers  ^P'r^s^ 

tall, 


\ 


iiiK  i;i;()\VMi:s  i\  ,h\k 


Ami   rii^iit  ;iimI  left 
tlii'ii"  iiiiiiiccs 

tlll'cW. 

or  (lislaiit    jxiiiits 


Id  i:;iiii 


;i   \U'\\\ 


<  >r    iiuy.r    ll|Mill    I  III'    sr;i 


li-iit 


ilJlt     llll'iill^ll    ;i    r\\\ 


At 


s|iiv;i(ls   ;it    lliuiil. 
iliH'S.  wliilf   (■liiill>iiiL;' 


>S.1 


7 


[k^ffW-J 


roiii's  (tt    wii'c 


Tlir  t<>iiiii(ist    l-Jrow  iiic's 


liniHls  would   tire 


And  sli|i|iiii:i'  li.'K'k.  his 

wri^iit    \\(»ul<l   liriiio- 
No  Miiall  distrt'S.s  to  all 

tile    stl'ilio- 


That 


•  •iUll        Ih  low    wil 


To    hold    tl 


iiiiuhl   and   main 
K'ir  own  a;4aiiist 
ill"'  stfain. 


'I'li'ii   'l"\\ii   iliry  M  sit    to 

ivst.  or  chill 
111    l!i-o\\nii    .st\lc,  of  this 


Of  that, 


( >r  ,ui 


:iii<'<'s  on    the   li 


I  >i>(\ 


to  thro 


w 


liat    la.\    so  d.-ii'k  and 


far  liclow, 


<M 


A 


iV, 


'I'lii'.  i!i;()\\Nii;s  IX  JINK 


Tllrli    on    tlir    f(>ot-|)!ltll.  loilii'  find   wide, 
l''(»i'   half  ill!    Iioiiv  tlii'ir  speed   was  ti'ied; 
Si)iiietiiiies  ill  scjuads  of  eight  or  nine 
They  took  their  stations  in  a  line. 
And   haek  and   forth   between  the  jders 
'I'liey  ran  a  race,  'mid  slioiits  and  cheers 
I'' roll!   those   who  eliinhed  on   eal>les  lii^h 
To  wat<di  tlieiii  as  tiiey  scampered  l)y. 

Said  one:    "I  "\-e  heard  it  said  that  men 
Have  come  iiixm   this  hridi^'e,  and  when 
No  oflicer  did   near  them  stand. 
To  interfere  with  s(diemes  on   hand, 
'I'hey  reache(l  the  center  heani,  or  rail. 

And   Jumped,  yet    li\-ed    to   tell    the    tale." 


Allot 


ler  saKi 

1) 


w 


annol    let 


inman   ix 


cvcv   <f{' 


art  ( 


)i   us 


lironyh  (lai 


let   CO 


w 


tu* 


? 


fc>  ^   4^.  iffi  M"'2SL.<i^>^  "EPS*' 5 


.e**^ 


■iiii;  i;i;()\VNii:s  in  .iink 


Now  to  tilt'  sclt'sjimc  ])lace  we  Ml  jjfo, 
And  lake  (.iiv  idaccs  in  a  row; 
And.  at  a  Liivci]  siuiial,  s]>viii!j; 
l/ikc  l.irds  when  takin.u'  to  the  wiii^', 
And  ktc|)  t'fct  downward,  it'  we  can, 
A I'dini;'  1o  the  jumper's  ])lan 


O     1)1' 


not    tunifd  awrv  m  an', 


l)nt   strike  tiie  water  jilunih  and  fair, 
A   tilled  tvinarked  :    "  \'ou  aru'ue  well 


And    show    \dlll'   sense,  t'ol 


truth   to  tell 


W 


e  mav.  if  we  hut   uianaLi,('  riylit, 


iinnoi'laii/.i'  oni'sclvcs  to 


■niiiht. 


(hir  man  nia\    .innii>  and  still  escape 


W 


ithont   a  hiu't   of  any  sliap 


\r\     1 


If  IS  oiu\'  one  ui  a 


II 


The  millions  on  this  Inriuni!,'  hall. 

i!ut    whciv    was   ever   seen    a    el'<twd 
Like  ns.  with   fortitndt'  endowed, 


hat   makes  ns  ni  a   Ixxlv  u'o 


W 


n'onii'li  liivatest  datiu'ers  one  can  know  ? 
(■  Ac  i^'oiH'  ihrouiih  many  startlin.a;  W(M's 


And  ti'N'iii'j,'  srcn"s,  as  history  sin 


)WS. 


people  donl»t.  let   them  hul    rea( 


1 


An 


a  learn   no 


w   we  take  little   heed 


Of  duikers  that   u'o  hand  in   hand 
With  all  the  doings  of  the  hand, 
And  even  now  yon  "11   find  that  we 
Are  N'aliaiit   in  a  hiij^'h  dearer. 
Instead  of  shrinkinii'  in  disyi-ace, 
i-iaih  one  will   want    the  liij;liest  plaee, 


'-4 


.,:,3»i*s*°*""'' 


THE  BROWNIES   I\   JUNE. 


A  f'ourtli  cxclaiiiit'd:  "Tliciv's  t'iiiiit'.  no  doiiht, 

111  siicli  ii  ,jiiiii|t,  if  well  worked  out  ; 

But  I,  for  one,  lu'rc  let  me  say, 

Won't  look  for  fanic  in  siwdi  a  way. 

L«'t  those  who  want  to  feed  the  lish 

Jump  from  tlic  striu'tiuo,  if  tlicy  wish. 

But  be  assured  iho  lowest  |)late, 

Or  wire,  upon  this  ])ri(l<'-e  so  yi-eat, 

Will  high  eiiou>;h  from  water  seem 

Before  you  souse  into  the  stream. 

Now  those  with  me  who  do  not  siiow 


ci-azv  w 


ish   to  famous  ui 


ow, 


Beneath  the  bridge  in  boats  will  keep, 
And  aid  the  ones  wlio  take  the  leap." 
A  fair  <livision  nctw   was  made: 
Upon   the   bi'idii'e  those    Bi-owiiies  stayed 
Who  did  n't   wish   to  liave  it   said 
Tliat   human   beinji's  were  ahead; 
While  tlio.se  who  Aid   n't  care  to  seek 
For  fame  tlnHtuuli  su(di  a  foolish  fi-eak 
VW'ut  down  for  boats,  and  (|ni('kly  ran 
Beneath  the  center  of  tiie  span, 

To  be  pi'epared   tlieii'  friends  to  save. 
When  they  should  dro]>  into  the  wavi 
Now,  dark  against   the  starrv  skv, 


All  tl 


lose   who  were  the  jump  to  tiy 


Crawled  out  upon   the  cal)le  dim. 
And  i)er(die(l  Hke  bii'ds  upon  a  liml). 
All  waitinii,'  foi-  the  siunal  scream 
That   was  to  start   them   foi-  tlie  stream. 


•riii:  i!i;(»\VNii:s  i\  .irsi;. 


f 


Said  oiir  :    "My  word  is  still   my  1»(>ii(l, 
So  acts  and  woi'ds  must  coitcsjxjikI. 
P)iit  had   I   not   tlic  uttcrinKM'  iiiiide 
That    I,  i'or  one,  was  not  aiVaid, 
And  IVccly  pivc  my   name.  I    vow 
I   "d  hardly  make  the  pi'omisc  now 
i^>u1   one  was  (piick  to  liixc  tlio  sjiout. 
And  at   the  cry  they  all  spranj;'  out 
Like  heroes  hold,  without  (hday, 
And  downwai'd  took  their  i'a|)i<l  way. 
They  stru,i!;ii,led   hard,  while  in  mid-aii', 
To  keep  themselves  erect  and   fair, 
P)iit  (juite  a  hi'ee/e  was  sweeping;'  rounc 
l)et\\een  the  ocean  and  the  sound, 
And  as  it  o'ei'  the  i'i\'ei'  I'an 
It   played  sad   havoc   with  theii'  plan. 
In  si»ite  of  iVantic  kicks  and  tliiiy's, 
And  arms  gyrating  round  like  winys. 

80 


soon 


^>, 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


// 


fc 


4 


:a 


A' 


,.v 


«. 


|^:r 


r/. 


-^ 


s 


I  I.I 
11.25 


M    12.5 


m  ^ 


la   1^    i 


11^    12.2 

1.4    IIIIII.6 


'/] 


V 


PhotogiBphic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


Tin:  lUiowNiKs  ix  .iune. 

Now  had  that  dariiij;  Brownie  crowd 
Been  just  with  mortal  j,'ifts  endowed, 
One  half  tin    band  or  thereabout, 
WoiUd  have  been  snuffed  completely  out; 
An<l  nevei'  niort    have  brouj^lit  a  smile 
On  human  fare  to  play  awhile. 
But.  thanks  to  thfir  mysterious  power 
That  stood  tlicni  wrll  in  that  dread  hour, 
Thry  liad  no  tliou<iht  of  ending'  liere 
For  li'ood  and  all  their  bi-isflit  career. 


Some  stayed  so  lon<>;  beneath  the  wave 
Friends  frai'cd  thf  river  was  their  grave. 
But   pvt'tty  soon  a  distant  yell 
Would  ]trove  them  safe,  and  swimming  well 
They  wriit  so  deep  that  when  they  rose 
Some  pounds  of  mud  came  with  their  toes, 
And  to  the  snrtV.ce  <piite  a  few 
Bi'ought  slK'ddci'-crabs,  and  lobst(»rs,  too, 
\Vlii(di  (dearly  ]»roved 

to  friends  around 
That   they  the  river's 

bed   had  found. 
Though   Brownies  may     "' 
mishaps  sustain 

82 


L 


THE  BROWNTES   IN   TUNE. 

TliJit  cjiDse  soinc  fear,  if  not  soiiic  ))iiiii, 
Thoy  seldom  fail  to  cany  througii 
The  work  laid  out  for  thciii  to  do; 


—- --s-S^-iS?^-  And  thoii«-'l)  a  few  wviv  somewhat  sore, 

And  vowed  they  M  take  that  lea))  no  more, 
Still,  not  a  In-oken  hone  was  there, 
Or  ffarment  toi-n  ])eyond  repair. 

Each  was  in  trim  to  ((uickly  crawl 

In  waitinj,'  l»oats,  that  took  them  all 

Away  as  fast  as  oars  could  i^uide 

The  i)arty  to  the  nearest  side. 

And  then  the  hand  had  harely  time 

To  ((uit  the  ])hice  er(>  niornini;  prime. 


sa 


THE    lUJOWXIES    IN   JULY 


soon  as  sunnv-faood  •July  cv'^^niy 

liroiiirht  round  the  time  when  hanners  fly         ^'CCT 

On  ovory  pole,  o'er  every  door,  '■'"■^V 

The  eoiintry  tlirouuli  from  sliort>  to  sliore, 

The  Brownies   met  to  Imve  tlieir  say 

KesiH'ctinu;  lnde])endence  Day. 

Said  <uu':  "Jf  I  have  reekoned  riglit 

The  (hiys  as  they  have  taken  tli}j;lit, 

We  stand  iiiKtn  th<'  veiy  brink 

Of  that  li'rcal   <hiy  when  jjeople  tliink 

Of  heroes  who  so  friH'ly  j>"ave 

Tlieir  sacred  Hves  on  tield  and  wave, 

That  ti'enerations  yet  to  bo  . 

Mi^ht  Hve  and  move  in  liberty." 

Another  said:    "My  comrade  ti-ue. 
Your  mental  almanac  won't  do, 
Yoii  're  just  two  dozen  hours  too  fast ; 
1  have  the  days  from  first  to  last 
All  jotted  down  in  black  and  white 
As  plain  as  printer's  ink  can  write; 
To-morrow  night  will  usher  in 
The  time  for  l)anners  and  for  din. 
When  children  all  are  up  and  dressed 
Before  the  stai's  have  gone  to  rest, 


THE   JU;()WNli:,S    IN   .I[LY. 


And  wlicii  tlu'  sun  looks 


THE  IJKOWNTES   TN   JULY. 


Coth 
cloy 

JO'i-f 

TIlut 

(./I  tlif 
6raii 


That  city  strotchiiis  in  its  prido, 

AVitli  streets  so  lou^',  and  parks  so  wide, 

Tliat  holds  tlio  Hall  wlioro  Congivss  1»roke 

To  ilinders  tine  the  monaivh's  yoke, 

To  n<'vei'  after  he  resij?ii<Hl 

To  tiniher  of  that  ^'allin^'  kind. 

Around  the  tuhle  we  will  stand 

Where  i»eople  signed,  with  steady  hand. 

The  doenment  that  did  declare 

Their  home  and  country  free  as  air. 


We  know  what  that  act  hr(»ujjfht  alxmt— 

Eacli  tiylit,  surrender,  sicLje  and  rout, 

Wiiich  followed  soon  tiie  declaration 

To  found  a  free  and  mighty  nation, 

That  like  a  link  uow  lies  between 

The  oceans  l)oisterous  and  serene; 

And  wliile  one  ])art  is  wrapped  hi  snow 

Till  trees  heud  down  to  earth  helow 

With  loads  that  storms  have  on  them  laid, 

Still  other  ])arts  are  all  arrayed 

in  iiowets  tiiat  sweetest  fragrance  send 

To  suuny  skies  tliat  o'er  them  hend. 

Tlie  war  was  long,  and  many  fell. 

As  history's  ])ages  fully  tell. 

No  conflict  of  a  year  or  two 

("ould  such  a  commonwealth  suhdne. 

Nor  could  it  cause  the  king  to  say 

The  colonies  might  go  their  way. 

Hut  seasons  rolled,  and  still  the  tight 

For  lilx'i'ly,  or  monarch's  right, 

80 


Oe  brnue 
wUtt}  troub'* 

tries 

T^«  coujara 

only 


THE  imOWNIEH  IN   JLLY. 


In  i(!y  fields  throuf,'h  wintry  days, 

On  scorcliinj?  plains  in  summer's  blaze, 

F'ar  off  from  land  on  oeean's  wave, 

Where  hearts  when  ffw  were  doul)ly  ])rave, 

To  bind  in  ehains,  ur  to  be  free, 

Tlie  war  went  on  l)y  land  and  sea. 

The  child  that  stood  npon  the  pave, 

And  saw  his  father,  iinn  and  grave. 

With  gun  in  hand  and  horn  at  side, 

March  off  to  stem  tyrannic  pride. 

Grew  np  in  time  to  take  a  hand 

In  battling  for  his  native  land — 

To  the  same  tune  from  drum  and  fife, 

Went  bravely  forth  to  give  his  life.'' 

That  night,  indeed,  the  Bro-WTiies'  feet 

Went  pattering  through  the  silent  street. 

Unnoticed  by  the  men  in  l)lue 

Who  searching  glances  ever  threw 

As  here  and  there  with  solenm  round 

They  guarded  people  sleeping  sound. 

Said  one:   "This  town  is  counted  slow, 
And  fun  is  poked  at  it,  we  know. 
About  how  gravely  people  move. 
And  how  they  never  leave  one  groove. 
But  we,  who  have  no  ax  to  grind 
Or  boon  to  ask,  can  speak  our  mind ; 
And  folk  there  are  witliin  oin*  reach 
Now  fast  asleep,  that  well  could  teach 
The  stirring,  gi-asping  po}>ulace 
Of  many  a  more  ambitious  place, 


87 


THE   lUU )\VNIES  IN   JULY. 


The  lumcst  way  to  sell  an<I  Imy, 
Tlio  way  to  live,  and  way  to  dio, 
^tlicr  frioiidlv  hints 


The  Hall  was  roachod  in  half  an  lionr, 

As  ono  niifjlit  jndfie  who  knows  their  power, 

HH 


THE  BKOWNIEH   IN   JULY. 


And  how  tliey  laufrl,  at  bolt  and  bar, 
At  lieavy  staples  diiven  far, 
And  locks  that  few  can  comprehend. 
With  combinations  without  end. 
As  thronf,di  th(^  ancient  rooms  they  passed 
On  many  thinjifs  their  eyes  were  cast 
That  brouj^dit  a  smile,  a  frown,  or  sigh. 
According  to  what  di-ew  the  eye. 
Said  one:   "The  rust  is  working  well 
To  make  away  with  swoi'd  and  shell 
And  liaisket.     They  will  hardly  last 
Until  another  centuiy  's  past." 
Another  answered:   "Well,  wlio  cares 
How  soon  the  rust  eats  such  affairs  f 
The  blunder1)uss,  head-cleaving  blade. 
Horse-pistol,  shell,  and  hand-grenade 
But  call  to  mind  tlie  trying  days 
Wlien  people  saw  their  hamh^ts  blaze. 
And  saw  the  hireling  Hessians  stride 
Upon  the  land  with  pomp  and  pride. 
But  other  steel  and  other  lead 
Than  they  had  brought  they  found  to  dread ; 

And  many  mounds  soon  rose  to  show 
Tliat  many  came,  wlio  failed  to  go." 
From  place  to  place  tli(^  Brownies  went 
At  this  they  paus»Ml,  by  that  they  bent 
To  study  out  the  writing  old 
Tliat  something  of  its  history  told. 
Around  tli(>  iidvstaiid,  straiige  to  view. 
The  Brownies  stood,  a  wondering  cirw, 

80 


THE  BROWNIES   IN   JULY. 


Commenting  on  the 

futoful  drops 
It  once  gave  out  to  knock 

tlie  props 
Away  forever  fi'om 

a  throne 
Tliat  it  was  thought  eonld 

stand  alone. 
The  Brownies  tided 
to  imitate 
Thi'  iiiaiiiicr  of  the  statesmen  great, 
Who  l)y  that  self-same  desk  of  oak 
On.  od  for  horn's,  and  linnly  spoke 

Of  ,  duties,  slights,  and  harms, 

And  stirred  the  people  ^ij)  to  arms. 
Oft  asking  in  a  stinging  vein 
If  they  would  wear  a  hond  or  chain. 

Or  wt're  ])repared  at  once  to  fling 
Defiance  at  the  tyrant  king! 
Aroimd  tlu'mselves  the  flags  they  wrapped 
That  o'er  the  Continentals  flapped, 
When  through  their  ranks,  on  hill  and  vale, 
The  whistling  hullets  swept  like  hail. 
Said  one:   ''By  weapons  hacked  and  woni 
And  hattle-tlags  ])lo()d-stained  and  torn, 
That  iind  a  place  on  every  wall, 
'T  is  plain  as  A  B  C  to  all 
No  easy  task  they  undertake 
Who  aim  established  laws  to  hreak. 
To  right  their  wrongs  like  men  begin, 

90 


THE  niJOWNIEH   IN   JULY. 


And  indopondcnco  strive 

to  will," 
To  reacli  a  sofa  long 

and  wide 
Tho  Brownios  ran  from 

every  Kid(>, 
Eacli  striving,'  to  be  first  to  treat 
Himself  to  such  a  famous  seat. 

Said  one:    "Upon  this  sofa  stron.i? 
Tliat  here  you  sec  has  I'csted  loiifr 
And  been  well  tried  by  moth  and  rat, 
The  Father  of  His  Country  sat, 
And  ealled  to  mind  the  hopes  and  fears 
And  hardships  of  tliose  tr^in^^  years 
When  in  his  army,  staneh  and  true, 
There  was  not  one  whole  coat  or  shoe. 
No  pride  in  grand  pai-ade  or  show 
They  took  at  su(Oi  a  time,  we  know. 
To  march  around  the  streets  in  i-aj;s 
With  naked  feet  on  snowy  fla,us, 
Gave  little  jdeasnre  to  the  band 
Who  had  theii-  eountry's  life  in  hand. 
The  loud  huirahs  from  those  arouuil. 
At  such  a  scene  would  empty  sound. 
A  tattered  force  he  had  to  lead 
O'er  icy  stream  and  marshy  mead. 
But  well  he  knew,  that  hero  bold. 
Beneath  each  coat  of  rajjged  fold 
A  heart  was  beatiii,n'  true  and  tried 
As  was  the  weapon  at  his  side." 

91 


Wiwtwi«*y;*iMi« 


^ 


^^-    v  -, 


THE  BllOWNIES  TN   JITI.Y. 

Another  said:    "Tliis  still  is  fomul 
Wlu'iv  too  inucli  wraii^liiifj;  doi'S  abound; 
While  those  at  iumic  dispute  and  s])out 
Alumt  their  orders  and  iheir  douht, 
Those  in  the  tield  who  face  the  too 
Are  staudiu};  Itarefoot  in  the  snow. 
Such  was  the  fate  of  Euf^land's  host 
U]M>n  the  cold  Criuiean  coast, 
While  vessels  lay  a+    (n(dior  near, 
With  full  su])i>lies  f;.r  half  a  year, 
Awaitii'.,;  orders  from  sonu'  Jirown, 
(h-  Smith,  or  Jones,  iu   Siouchm  Town." 

Thus  Brownies  talked, 
as  talk  they  will. 
And  passed  opinions 

freely  still. 
But  all  the  while 
enjoying  well 
Each  show  that  to 
their  notice  fell. 
Around  the  hell  that  loiuUy  rang 
When  independence  was  its  clang, 
The  Browuies  stood ;   nay,  some  were  bold 
To  cliuih  upon  the  relic  old. 
And  uiourned  to  see  the  fissure  wide 
That  time  had  opened  in  its  side. 
Said  one:    "They  rang  the  bell  too  hard, 
Or  else  it  tumbled  in  the  yard 
Froui  belfry  beams,  and  struck  a  stone. 
That  cracked  it  thus,  and  changed  its  tone. 

92 


\ 


THE   HUOWNIKH    IN   .HhY. 


••V  -v\ai 


r 


#■■ 


^:fvsK?::v;^ 


It  now  sounds  like 
an  cai-tlicn  pot, 

But  what  of  that  ( 
It   matters  not. 


It  did  its  duty 
ou  that  day, 
And  to  its  credit, 
let  nie 


That  there  was  meaning  in  its  ring 
That  well  might  stun  a  listening  king. 

93 


TIIK    HKOWNIKS   IN   JULY. 


Now  let  it  rost,  tor  sword  or  s^i" 

('an  ne'er  mido  wliat  has  l)een  done." 

So  many  Brownies  had  a  mind 

Upon  that  hell  a  jdace  to  find; 

They  started  it  npon  the  ^o 

Till,  swaying  wildly  to  and  fro, 

It  cansed  a  panic  and  a  scare 

That  soon  distnrhed  tlK^  In-avest  there. 

Home  to  the  chain  ahove  held  fast; 

Some  tliit  upon  the  hell  were  cast, 

With  arms  and  lej^'s  extended  wide, 
And  with  it  sailed  from  side  to  side; 
While  clanging  loud  with  heavy  stroke 
Tlie  rt^stless  clapper  silence  hroke. 
Alarmed  lest  such  a  fearful  din 
Would  hring  the  wondering  people  in. 
The  Brownies  tried  in  every  way 
To  choke  it  off  without  delay. 
At  risk  of  limh,  and  life  as  well, 
Home  l)ravely  hung  helow  the  l)ell, 
As  hack  and  forth  it  rocked  and  swung. 
And  did  their  hest  to  hold  its  tongue; 
And  glad  enough  were  Bro^vTiies  bold 
When  they  at  length  the  bell  controlled. 
Ho  all  were  free  to  gain  the  street, 
And  hasten  o. '       ^^t^.       to  their  retreat. 


Be  sobec 

actiue 

vigil,ir|r 

flrjd  braue 

JMoquicfier 

roclefend 

tl;.Tl  swift 

tos;iue. 


m  #!  MMm 


Whtn  jfrtfi  puroul-rh»t>^  fir** 
T^e  Brownie  bii'ni  retii'fs. 


04 


•'ti.r-ll'fj   Cox..         ■■'     .. 


THE  BROWNIES  IX  AUGUST. 


:VlQjje)1,    Aiijfiist  took  its  place  in  lino, 

The  Brownies  met  at  day's  decline. 
Said  one:    "At  leiiQ-th  we  stand  ])eside 
A  stream  that  is  the  nation's  pride. 
No  longer  river  finds  its  way 
Around  the  world,  to  gulf  or  hay; 
And,  since  our  pleasures  first  hegan, 
No  better  journey  can  we  plan 
Than  one  upon  the  liver  hright 
That  rolls  b.^ore  us  here  to-night." 
Another  said  :    "  I  well  agree 
With  what  you  say;   and  trust  to  me 
To  be  the  pilot  for  the  hand, 
To  take  the  lead  antl  give  connnand. 
I  know  tlie  river  well,  my  friends, — 
•Tust  where  it  starts  and  where  it  ends. 
Each  bend  and  l)ar  from  first  to  last 
Is  in  my  mind  established  fast. 

1»5 


Lil(i>tl|t'OCp.iii'j 

floilJ 

Still  tl|.>cla^3 
uJill  roiiif 
an  J  jJo. 


wmmm 


THE  BKOWNIES  IN   AUOUST. 

Tlio  trip  will  tako  a  week  or  more; 
We  '11  hide  by  day  along  the  shore, 
And  when  retimis  the  evening  gloom, 
Our  journey  to  the  sea  resume. 
Wc  well  might  visit  every  State 
That  lies  within  this  Union  great, 
Then  spread  abroad  the  truthful  tales 
Of  mountains  high  or  lovely  vales. 
And  wonders  that  one  may  behold 
In  wells  of  oil,  or  mines  of  gold ; 
But,  for  the  ])resent,  we  will  keep 
Our  journey  to  the  briny  deep, 
An<l  trust  tliat  later  on  we  may 
To  othei-  States  a  visit  pay." 
Another  said : 

"  Tilt'  scheme  is  fail", 
And  for  the  trip 

we  '11  n(j\v  ]»repare. 
No  one  need  view 

with  jealous  eye 
Our  course  as  here 

and  there  we  hie, 
Tor  think  their  loyal  State  we  slight 
Because  't  is  small,  or  far  from  sight; 
For  well  we  know  attractions  fine — 
From  l)uilding  stone  to  towering  pnie, 
From  iishing-port  to  marble  mart. 
From  vine-clad  fi(>lds  to  coldest  part. 
From  center  town  to  border  land — 
Await  the  coming  of  the  band." 

90 


THE  BROWNIES  IN   AUGUST. 


Why  need  I  use  my  valued  space 
To  tell  of  smiles  that  ht  each  face, 
Or  eyes  that  rolled  with  knowino-  squint 
To  see  how  others  took  the  liiut. 
No  longer  talk  was  needed  there 
To  make  the  Brownies  soon  repair 
To  where  some  boats  could  be  secured 
That  Ijy  the  river's  bank  were  mooi'ed. 
The  pleasing  sight  should  be  allowed 
To  all  mankind,  when  Brownies  crowd 
Into  a  boat,  with  jam  and  din. 
All  anxious  to  be  counted  in. 
The  Brownies,  as  j'ou  know,  are  not 
Inclined  to  grumble  at  their  lot, 
Or  wliino  because  some  are  not  blessed 
With  comforts  granted  to  the  rest. 
'T  is  pleasant  drifting  with  the  tide. 
Or  down  a  stream  to  smoothly  glide, 
But  su(di  mild  currents  often  tend 
To  rougher  waters  at  the  end; 
And  Brownies  found  in  their  descent 
Some  rapids  that  great  mischief  meant; 
Where  ]>oats  careened  in  every  case. 
And  made  a  deck-load  out  of  place. 
Indeed,  the  pilot's  craft  was  caught 
Upon  a  snag,  and  quick  as  thought 
Was  overturned  until  the  keel 
Did  to  the  moon  its  shape  reveal ! 
The  Brownies  all,  from  stem  to  stern, 
Were  forced  to  clinsr  for  life,  and  learn 


Tijc  dny 
ujiH  pomp 
tn  spi t« 
of  booAt 

\Vf|f  f)  ynull 

(rom  your 
post. 


07 


,  „a- 


^.^ 


THK    HKOWNir.S  TX   AldUST, 


\ 


Wk-^cI  oni  J. 

Icnf 
For  lif?  nt 

brief 


THK   JiliOWXIKS   IX   AlOrsT. 

Of  iiothins  <'!«*"  tliaii  Brownies  drowned. 
One  eried  :  "  'T  is  stranjj^e  tliat  no  one  knew 
About  these  falls,  now  plain  in  view, 
Though  tunil)]ing  here  witli  stunning  din 
Smee  first  the  world  ])egan  to  spin.'' 
Another  said:    "My  friend,  too  late 
A])out  our  ignorance  you  pi'ate.' 
Did  we  of  dangers  earlier  know, 
We  might  avoid  nuudi  ])aiii  and  woe. 
'T  is  useless  now  to  bend  and  strain 
In  hope  a  fi-iendly  shore  to  gain. 
Let  each  one  his  position  keep, 
And  take  the  (diances  of  the  leap." 

The  fleet  of  boai.^  with  even  bow. 
Seemed  sweeping  to  their  ruin  now; 
Already  eyes  strained  out  to  see 
How  deep  the  fearful  plunge  would  be. 
One  boat  was  caught  just  at  the  b(>n(l, 
Oi'  s])ring,  and  turning  end  for  end 
With  all  its  crew,  stern  foremost  sped, 
When  most  they  wisln^d  to  look  ahead. 
Tlu!  scene  below  tht>  falls  was  wild : 
Tlie  crews  were  all  together  piled, 
Some  Brownies  clinging  to  an  oar. 
Some  to  a  trembling  friend,  and  more 
Advising  how  they  should  proceed 
And  courage  show  in  time  of  need. 
But  water  may  b(>  deep  and  rough, 
And,  like  a  kettle,  boil  enough 


\ 


THE  lUJOWXIES   IX   AU(}UST. 


To  plojiso  tho  spryost  speckled  ti'oiit 
That  ever  lluvw  a  tail  al)oiit, 
And  yet  lack  force  to  (|uite  subdue 
()]■  ovcnvlielin  a  Bnnvuie  crew. 


IIKI 


THE  JIROWNIES  IN   AUGUST. 

And  graceful  palms  attontioii  drew. 

The  Brownies  viewed  the  land  with  pride, 

Saw  tine  plantations,  every  side. 

That  spoke  of  peace  and  patient  toil, 

And  rich  returns  from  fertile  soil. 

At  times  they  went  on  land  to  try 

The  tempting  fruit  that  caught  the  eye, 

And  found  the  kind  hoth  good  and  fail* 

That  ripens  in  the  southern  air. 

One  said  :    "  The  people  of  this  clhne 

Were  brave  throughout      troublous  time; 

Now  enterprise  and  thrift,  as  well, 

On  every  side  their  story  tell." 

Another  said  :   ''  Sometime  we  may 

In  sugar-mills  our  skill  display. 

Or  in  the  fields  of  eotton  show 

How  much  about  the  plant  we  know; 
But  now  our  duty  is  to  steer 
Ahead,  nor  heed  attractions  here." 


At  times,  some  laid  aside  the  oar 
And  ran  for  miles  along  the  shore, 
And  to  some  noted  station  got 
Ere  those  in  boats  could  sight  the  spot. 

101 


THF,    HHOWNir^S   IS   AlUJUST. 


Once  wliile  they  in  a  hayon  lay, 

To  liidc  from  hnniankind  away, 

Home  allijfators  at  tlio  side 

To  interview  the  Brownies  tried, 

And  only  throngli  their  mystic  skill 

Were  they  preserved  to  charm  us  still. 

Home  fonfflit,  and  some  jnjnped  fore  and  aft. 

And  more  were  glad  to  (jnit  the  craft 

To  take  their  chances  on  the  land 

102 


THE  BROWNIES   IN   AUGUST. 


And  loavo  tlic  reptiles  in  cominand. 
Tims  oft  the  Brownies  were  delayed 
As  to  tlio  jwulf  their  trip  they  made, 
But,  nothint;  daunted,  still  intact, 
With  every  member  free  to  act. 
They  drifted  on  from  ni<,dit  to  niyht 
To  reach  the  point,  with  si)irits  li^dit. 
Where  pours  the  river's  waters  free 
From  many  mouths  into  the  sea. 


.--='  ii  -sasi  "^^ 


At  length  the  Brownies  looked  ahead. 
And  saw  the  Crescent  City  spread 
111  grandeur  by  the  widening  stream. 
They  saw  the  domes  and  steeples  gleam 
That  marked  the  site  of  church  and  hall. 
Then  caught  a  ghmp^'je  of  shipping  tall 
Where  ocean  waves  and  river  Ideiid, 
And  knew  their  journey  at  an  end. 


Mju)tl((>  Iprgdiy  Trip  is  done 
And  thf  Browrrie  hand  must  run 


l(»;! 


'rilK   ]]  I  JO  W.NIKS   JN 

sKi^rKMin^Pv. 


SILVER  CTCSccllt   ill   llic  sky, 
St'i»trinl)t'r's  moon  was  sailiiiii"  liiti;li, 
In  cii-litccn  hundred  and  ninety-two, 
When   lii'ownies  met  to  carry  through 
An  enteri)iMse  they  had  in  view. 
Said  one:    "We  soon,  as  you  're  aware,  ,y 

Will  have  tlie  ureat  ('oluinl)ian  Fair, 


Tije  "loiiiptit 

so  free 

Is  the  on? 

for  you 


>)•'-  -./, 


rf-.  .^  J   ■••'■:■  \v,i''*'' 


\ 


104 


TFFE   intDWMES    I\   SEPTEMBF.Il. 


Sk.:^^-" 


■:■■     --'Siiwr 


'-^"':r>'^'.'  '\m 


'■'••  --i^A'- 


&~^=S*.^.-.»^:-=Lr-%_^^ft?i,  .'-"v-^' 


■I'JIK    ItHOWNIKS   JN   SKl'TKMHKH. 


mpoiiiion 
Ckroundi 


When  biimiors  will 

to  wiiuls  he  spread, 
An<l  speeches  made, 
a  ])<»eiM  Ite  read, 
And  voices  miiij^ie, 
rich  and  stronj;, 
111  reiideriujj  aiitlienis 
loud  and  hnijU'." 
Another  said  : 

"Tlieii   I  'ill  afraid, 
Unless  we  ^'ive 

some  mystic  aid 
In  pushing-  workers 

who  are  slow, 
They  Ml  not  he  ready 

for  the  show." 
A  third  remarked : 

"No  better  way 
Can  we  our  loyalty 

(lis)  day 
Than  here  to  lend 

a  helpinj?  luuid 
In  tinishinj^  these 

Imildings  grand 
That  ornament  this 

spaciont   ground. 
'T  will  to  the  countiy's 
good  redound, 
And  spare  the  hlush  that 
else  might  speak 

lOO 


colH  oi*l|ol 

Of  uifll  doing 

wwiry  not 


THK   JUJOWNIF'.S    IN   JSFJ'TKMJJKlt. 


Of  slianic  on  f'fiir 

C!oluinl)i!rs  cliock." 
This  was  ciiouyli  to 

start  the  hand. 
And  soon  the  work 

was  closely  scanniMl, 
To  sec  Avhcrc  they 

could  lay  a  Hoor. 
Put  in  a  sash, 

oi'  hann'  a  door, 
()]■  even  on 

the  raftei's  stronj; 
Make  hold  to  lielj* 

till'  work  alnniT. 
Now  colmnns  tall 

they  climbed  to  j;et 
A  closer  look 

at  what  was  set 
Upon  the  to|>,  with 

winj;s  outs])read, 
A  staff  in  hand, 

or  wreath  on  head. 
On  counting  them 

the  Brownies  found 
Just  thirteen  columns 

standing  round. 
Said  one :    "No  douht 

the  scul})tor  meant 
The  early  States 

to  repres(!nt, 

107 


lA 


1:!!! 


THE   BKOWNIES  IN   SE1'TE:\[151:R. 


'-^^ 


And  ix'wo  a  lesson  «iTiitis  liciv, 
As  well  as  oniamcnt  \hv  pier.'" 
The  Woiiian's  l^nildiii^"  drew  their  eyes, 
But  they  l)eiield  tile  same  with  si^hs, 
Because  the  topmost  tile  was  laid, 
And  left  no  chance  for  Brownie  aid. 
But  other  huildiniis  of  the  Fair 
Could  take  some  tiniehes  her(>  and  there; 
So  off  the  Browiues 

ran  for  tools, 
For  i»aint-pots,  haumu'rs, 

saws,  and  rules, 
Tliat   weary  workmen 

(luickly  threw 
Aside  when  evenini;' 

whisth's  hlew. 
Said  one  :    "  The  hrush 

is  suited  well 
For  Brownie  hands, 

the  truth  to  tell; 
As  fo]'  myself, 

no  more  I  ask 
Than  el])ow-room 

at  such  a  task. 
And  I  Ml  not  he  the  last  to  mount 
A  laihler,  and  to  some  account. 
l''or  I    will  never  he  l)eliind 
lu  s[)readinu-  jiaint,  keep  that  in  mind. 
It  may  he  red,  or  «>Teen,  or  blue, 
Or  yellow,  or  another  hue. 


THE  JJUOWNIES  IN   SEPTEMBER. 


10 


It  matters  not,  my  work  shall  go 

As  fast  as  any  one's,  1  know." 

Another  said :    ''  Onr  skill  we  '11  try 

Upon  this  dome-capped  l)nildin<,'  nigh. 

Some  others  here  a  stir  can  make 

With  brushes,  or  I  nmch  mistake, 

And  honors  will  not  all  descend 

On  one  alone,  yoTi  may  depend. 

Each  Brownie  here  nmst  do  his  part; 

No  shrinking  hand  or  timid  heart 

Will  serve  as  an  excuse  to-night, 

Or  make  a  memher's  lal)or  light." 

Then  work  h(^gan  without  delay. 

Though  plenty  there  had  more  to  say, 

And  could  have  talked  and  argued  still 

Alxmt  their  gifts  or  special  skill; 

But  l^rownies,  when  there  's  work  to  do, 

That  nmst  ere  dawn  he  hurried  through, 

Ai'e  eager  to  improve  each  hour 

And  work  with  all  their  skill  and  power. 

Each  took  the  tool  that  suited  best 

His  turn  of  mind,  for  all  were  blessed 

With  skill  that  made  them  handle  well 

Whatever  to  their  i)ortion  fell  ; 

Then  clind)ing  here  and  mounting  there. 

Each  loyal  Brownie  did  his  slunv. 

All  clearly  showing  from  the  start 

They  had  the  nation's  good  at  heart. 

Son>!(\  spreading  brown  paint,  moved  ahea( 

More  followed  with  a  coat  of  red; 

1(1!) 


THE   BKOWNIES   IN   SEPTEMHEK. 


Then  quickly,  ere  tlie  first  had 

Still  other  colors  W(>re  applied. 

Said  one  :   "  Thoii,i>'li  not 

apprenticed  out 
To  masters  hard,  and 

knocked  alxmt, 
To  learn  a  trade  'twixt 

kick  and  hlow 
That  often  with 

instruction 

We  're  not 

so  far 

hehind 

mankind 
At  putting- 

thinij:s 

in  shape, 

they  '11  find ; 
For  we  can  saw 

and  paint  and  bore, 
And,  Ix'tter  still,  do  some 

thini^s  more 

In  mystic  ways,  hy  Brownie  rlde^, 

Tiiat  are  unknown  to  hiunan  schools. 

It  may  se<'m  odd,  ind<'ed,  to  smothei 

One  coat  so  fjnickly  with  another, 

But  we  from  Uicu  no  lessons  take, 

Nor  ask  advice;   hut  sim])ly  make 

Our  time  and  task  on  hand  agree, 

no 


dried, 


iiiiiiiiiwwiv  • 


THE  BROWNIES   IN   HEPTEMBER. 


-.1,0 

To  dtsfroy 

your  l^enK'^ 

1  o  "1  e. 


And  keep  from  complications  free. 

The  morning  sun  niiglit  raise  his  head 

Before  one  half  onr  paint  was  spread, 

If  we  should  work  as  if  afraid 

Of  new  departures  in  the  trade. 

The  paiut  is  there,  it  matters  not 

If  mixed  on  wall,  or  mixed  in  pot, 

And  what  the  BroAvnies  spread  ahout 

Will  last  until  the  wood  gives  out." 

Some  sad  mishaps  disturhed  a  few, 

And  gave  their  clothes  a  foreign  hue; 

Before  the  task  was  well  in  hand 

They  formed  a  que(>r,  hespattered  })an(l  — 

Some  red  as  rohins  when  they  time 

Their  voices  sweet  in  sunny  Jime ; 

Some  gi'een  as  Erin's  hanner  old 

When  on  St.  Patrick's  day  unrolled; 

More,  like  canaries  froui  the  Isles, 

Awakened  many  jokes  and  smiles. 

The  coat  that  Joseph  left  l)ehin(l, 
When  to  the  pit  he  was  consigned, 
Showed  not  more  colors  to  the  sun 
Than  Hrownie  garl>  wheji  they 
were  done. 
Thougli  hurried  greatly  at  th(>  last, 
As  morning  light  was  creeping  fast, 
The  very  vaiu^  that  told  the  way 
The  wind  was  l)]()wing,  night  and  day. 
Received  a  touch  from  Brownies  hold 
Until  it  h)oked  like  hurnished  gold. 


Ill 


THE  BROWNIES  m   SEPTEMliEK. 


The  Brownies  made  themselves  at  home ; 

They  elamhered  over  roof  and  dome, 

They  set  the  glass  and  tacked  the  slate 

And  tm  on  towers  tall  and  straight, 

And  nailed  the  ornaments  in  phice 

That  to  the  hnildings  added  grace. 

The  highest  point  or  peak  about 

The  structm'e  grand  they  hunted  out ; 

'T  was  there  they  wished  their  skill  to  show, 

'T  was  there  they  plied  the  willing  ])low. 

And  swung  theii'  Hinisy  scaffolds  light, 

Regardless  of  the  giddy  height. 

No  brains  of  weak,  unhealthy  tone 

To  dizzy  grow  the  Brownies  own; 

While  hands  have  strengtli,  and  toes  are  sure. 

The  head  lias  faitli  and  feels  secure. 

So  up  they  go  and  never  reid. 

Although  the  clouds  around  them  wheel. 

No  wonder,  then,  the  work  that  night 
With  magic  speed  was  set  aright 
No  wonder,  then,  the  workmen  stared 
When  to  their  stations  they  repaired. 
They  found  their  work  had  jumped  ahead 
While  they  were  fast  asleep  in  bed! 
They  woidd  have  struck  for  higher  pay 
If  they  had  longer  time  to  stay. 
Now  fr<Hn  some  place,  where,  as  they  thought, 
Such  things  were  kept,  the  Brownies  l)rought 
A  brand-new  tlag,  with  stri[)es  of  white 
Alternate  set  with  crimson  bright ; 


112 


THE  RROWNIE.S  IN  SEPTEMBER. 


While  many  stars, 

in  order  due, 
One  corner  filled 

on  field  of  blue. 
A  mammoth  flag, — 

I  cannot  name 
The  yards  of  bunthig 

in  the  same ; 
But  safe  it  is 

for  me  to  say 
T  would  draw  the  eye 

ten  miles  away, 
And  l(^t  one  know, 

beyond  n  doubt, 
What  nation  bung 

the  emblem  out. 
It  muttered  not 
how  large 
of  size. 
The  Brownie  band 
had  found 
a  pi'ize ; 
xVnd  now  it  did 
their  fancy 
please 
To  give  the  symbol 
to  the  breeze. 
The  wind  that  from 
the  lake 
was  strong 


THE  BROWTs'IES  IN   SEPTEMBEK. 


I 


Played  t'lvcly  with  tlic  colors  lonji, 
And  wi'apiK'd  the  Brownies  in  its  fold; 
But  still  tiiey  worked  nor  lost  their  hold, 
While  u])  it  ran  ;   'mid  joyful  ci'ies, 
Above  the  (grounds  it  proudly  Hies! 
Said  one  :    "  We  '11  leave  it  tioatinjjj  there, 
Through  hlizzai'd,  storm,  or  milder  air, 
To  let  the  folks  who  reach  thesis  shores, 
From  every  nation  out  of  dooi's, 
Learn  how  it  fei'ls  to  draw  at  last 
One  l)reatli  of  freedom  from  the  blast; 

Here  tlu'y  may  hear  oiu'  ea^de  scream, 
Learn  liberty  is  not  a  dream, 
And  stand  beside  this  inland  sea. 
Beneath  the  banner  of  the  free! 
As  centuries  shall  roll  away 
The  i)eopl(^  will  all  honor  pay 
With  special  zeal  to  Nin(>ty-two, 
And  tell  the  gi'eat  ex})loit  anew 
When,  in  despite  of  plot  or  plea, 
Colund)Us  steered  his  vessels  three 
To  tind  the  unknown  region  here, 
Eespected  now  both  far  and  near." 


Ti'j IS  cl  ny 

but  oiic-e 

you  emi 

i?tiJoy 

l|  o  u)  you 
rf;e  tinie 
«iiiplo  y. 


I  i 


aljort 
fl|)|3ear 
Gul  co>jst(ir;t 

tickiilg 

nialu's  tl;e 

y  e<»  r. 


THE  JSROAV^NIES   IN  OCTOBER. 


HEN  trees  were  bending  witli  their  loads, 
Aronnd  the  fanners'  snng  abodes, 
'^^^    And  limbs  were  stooping  from  the  top, 
'-«>-.Q.o    ^Ynd  groaning  for  a  friendly  prop 
So  they  might  last  until  the  day 
When  ])urdens  would  be  borne  away, 
The  Brownie  band,  at  day's  decline, 
Assembled  in  an  orchard  fine. 
Said  one  :    "  This  season  of  the  year 
Is  to  the  BroAvnie's  heart  most  dear, 
Because  it  brings  to  us  a  chance 
Some  person's  harvest  to  advance^; 
To  climb  tlu^  trees  and  sliake  each  bough 
Is  work  that  must  engnge  us  now 
Till  everything  is  safe  and  sound ; 
And  when  the  morning  comes  around, 
How  will  the  farmer  stand  and  stare 
To  hnd  his  fruit  all  gathered  there ! 
A  task  he  thought  he  'd  have  to  do 
Himself  before  the  week  was  through." 

115 


THE  BEOWXIES   TN   OCTOBER. 


Anothor  said:  "Tlio  truth  to  tell, 
The  task  is  ono  that  suits  us  well. 
There  will  he  work  enou<;h  for  all ; 
The  p;roiui(ls  are  large,  the  trees  are  tall, 
And  many  l)ushels  must  be  drawn 
Away  before  the  morn  shall  dawn." 
A  third  remarked:    "And  not  alone 
To  fruited  trees  nmst  earo  be  shown; 
October  ])rin<>s  the  ripened  hue 
To  s(iuashes  and  great  pumpkins  too; 
And  nothing  shall  the  Brownies  leave 
Tliat  should  attention  now  receive. 

We  '11  not  transport  upon  our  backs 

The  heavy  baskets  and  the  sacks, 

But  get  some  teams  to  lighter  make 

The  work  that  now  we  undertake; 

For  well  you  know  (mr  task 
must  close 

Before  the  sun  his  visage 
shows." 

Then  up  the  trees  some 
Brownies  went 

To  shake  the  limbs  with  apples  bent; 

And  ^-xore  began  at  once  to  haul 
The  pumpkins, 

taking  vines  and  all ; 


no 


THE   DHOWNIES  IN   ()CT()J5ER. 


Wliilo  otliors  hurried  off  with  speed 
To  find  stronjf  teams 
to  serve  their  need. 


Tliey  were  not  long — for  Brownies  smart 
At  sueh  u  thne  display  th(>ir  art ; 
To  he  of  service  they  ean  teach 
Whatever  comes  within  their  reach — 


varioiisji'igs 


Of  all  that  was 
])rogressiug  there. 
Though  goats  are 
seldom  taught 
to  haul, 
Like  horses  taken 
from  the  stall, 

117 


THE  JJHOWNIES   IN   OCITOBEK. 


Tlioy  (lid  their  duty 

in  the  main,     * 
And  answered  well 
the  ^uidins  rein. 
It  needs  some  training, 

as  a  rule, 
To  make  a  heast  keep 
eahn  and  eool. 
And  draw  a  heavy  load  along 
Without  some  frisky  aetion  wrong; 
And  one  eould  hardly  think  to  see 
The  Brownies'  teams  work  i)atii'ntly 
Who  had  no  training  on  the  road 
Or  "  ])reaking-in "  to  l)ear  a  load. 
But  it  nuist  he 

a  creature  rare — 
Not  worthy  of 

a  farmer's  care — 
That  Bi'ownies  cannot 

soon  suhdue 
Wlien  tliey  have  work 

to  carry  through. 
But  [)igs,  at  times, 

as  ])c(»ple  know, 
Are  ol)stinate 

and  loatli  to  go 
Tlie  way  tlie  driver  may  recjuire, 
But  turn  ahout  with  great  desire 
To  take  the  road  that  shortest  lies 
Between  them  and  their  quiet  sties. 

118 


THE  BUOWNIEH   IN   ()(  TOHEH. 


So  now  and  then  sonic  trouldo  rose 
When  neither  em'))inf^  bit  nor  Itlows 
Conld  proud  and  frisky  spirits  l)ind, 
Or  serve  to  chanj^e  the  stubborn  mind ; 
Then  broken  waji'ons  nii^iit  })e  seen, 
And  scattered  loads  upon  the  green, 
And  Brownies  with  all  strength  employed 
A  dire  c<dlision  to  avoid. 


iWct^ 


A  Bi'ownie, 

who  applied 

the  switch, 
Was  roughly  tumbled  in  the  ditch ; 
And  one,  who  roughly  used  his  toe, 
Was  dragged  for  fifty  yards,  or  so. 


ryff< 


sm^&i 


ll'J 


THE   BHOWNIEH   IX    (KTOHKIl. 


And  thus,  in  idiilosopliio 

strain, 
A  comvudc  (lid  tlio  ctiso 

explain  : 
"This  fact  is  known  the  worhl 

around 
Where'er  the  hunmn  race 
is  found  — 
If  j,'entle  treatment  won't  prevail, 
'T  is  not  nuich  use  to  strike  or  rail ; 
Thev  little  ^ain  who  strive  to  win 


By  heatinj;  precepts 
Thus  i)arents,  tired 
Mav  hit  the 


througli  the  skin, 
l)y  anfjfor's  spark, 
child,  yet  miss 
the  murk : 
For  kind  rei)roof 
and  gentle  hand 
Will  more  respect  and 
love  command. 
Now,  kindness  works  as  well, 
you  '11  find, 
With  heasts,  as  with  the 
Iniman  kind. 
So  lay  aside  l)oth  whip 
and  thoujf?, 
And  keep  }-our  feet  where 
they  hehmg." 
A  husy  scene  the  or(diard 
showed. 
Ere  every  tree  had  lost  its  load; 


i«?cl 


liiO 


I'lli;    IIHoWNir.S    IN    (MTdltKI!. 


^■^'•'■^fk.OoK  ^^"'^'•~ 


11 


yoine  towered  tuU,  while  liinl)s  but  few 

All  at  the  topmost  portion  gi-ew. 

I'-'i 


>.v.4<»: 


THE   IJKOWNIES   IN   Ot'TOBER. 


The  btark  was  smooth, 
the  trunks  were 
straight ; 
And,  thoiigh  the 
Brownies'  skill 
w'as  great. 
Oft  to  the  gi'omid 
they  VI  slip 
and  slide 
And  tmnble  down 

on  every  side, 
Before  a  sa\nng  grasp  was  laid 
Upon  a  l)raneh  to  render  aid. 

They  labored 
hard 
through  all 
the  hours; 
The  apples 
rattled  down 
in  showers; 
There  were  mishaps,  you  may  believe. 
A  few  did  stunning  falls  ivceive 
As  they  pcnformed  some  daring  feat 
Or  some  one  shook  them  from  a  seat. 
Or  where  a  branch,  they  tliought  was  stout 
And  trusty,  with  a  snap  gave  out. 
But  Brownies  think  this  only  fun, 
AVlien  there  is  work  that  must  be  done; 
And  those  who  rost",  though  lame  and  sore. 
Would  soon  be  at  the  top  onee  more. 


THE   imoWNIES  JN   OCTOBER, 

Wlien  oarly  dawn  came  creeping  there, 
It  showed  the  trees  all  standing  bare. 
The  goats  were  free 

to  come  and  go; 
The  pigs  were  Mt'M 

rooting  to  and  fro;     Miiij''yi-,'\^ 


■  o-imWft, 


The  baskets,  bags,  and  wagons,  too, 
Were  each  in  place  as  good  as  new. 
Bnt  not  a  Brownie  was  in  sight, 
For  all  had  vanished  with  the  night. 


U'a 


ma 


THE  BKOWXIES  IX 


caat  or  wcit, 
Horjfst  dr,>(  ij^ 


NOVEMBEK. 


— --^  Bt'caiise  it  ])rings  Thimksgiviiig  Day, 

Wlieii  those  who  have  been  scatterqii  wide 
Assenihle  at  tlie  fireside 
To  render  thanks  for  l)eing  blessed, 
And  iiave  a  (hnner  of  the  })est." 
Thus  spoke  a  httle  Brownie  spiy 
As  that  great  day  was  (h-awing  nigh. 

Another  said:    "And,  truth  to  tell. 
We  might  enjoy  a  feast  as  well. 
Although  no  pumpkins  on  the  vine 
For  us  like  burnisiicd  gohl  nuiy  shine, 
Or  turkeys  gather  at  our  eall. 
To  feed  and  fatten  through  tl',<   fall. 
Be  sure  we  have  a  way  to  find 
A  dinner,  if  we  're  so  inclined ; 
We  11  not  go  hungiy,  never  fear; 
Thvw  's  not  a  ])antry,  far  or  near. 


THE   BliOWNlEH   IN   NOVEMBER. 

But  WO  can  reach  and  take  a  share 

Of  things  that  are  provided  there. 

Noiiglit  will  ])e  missed,  and  that  's  where  we 

Excel  tlie  human  kind,  you  see. 

We  magnify  whate'er  we  choose, 

And  thus  the  people  nothing  lose. 

Now  into  separate  ])ands  divide, 

And  travel  thi-ough  the  coiuitry  wide! 

Let  some  a  southern  (Mmrse  pursue. 

And  some  the  North  Star  keei)  in  view; 


11' 


While  others  travel  west  and  <>ast 
To  gather  sonietlihig  for  our  feast. 
But  let  tiie  work  he  understood 
That  we  may  liave  all  tliat  is  good. 
Not  ovennueh  of  any  disli, 
But  such  assortment  as  we  wish. 
Let  those  who  to  the  north  proceed, 
Procure  the  poultry  we  will  need ; 
Let  those  who  turn  tiieir  faces  west, 
Bring  i)ies  and  puddings  of  the  hest; 
The  southern  Itand  can  imt  in  ))lace 
The  fruit  that  should  our  tal)l(^  grace: 
While  those  wdio  on  their  errand  run. 


THE  BROWNIEH   IN   NOVEMBER. 


As  if  t(»  meet  the  risiiij;  sun, 
("an,  as  tlieir  part,  if  noujjht  prevents, 
Jirinii  coffee,  tea,  and  condiments, 
That  nothinjij  may  be  wantinfjf  there 
To  make  our  feast  a  <^rand  affair." 
Then  all      r    ic  id,  without  delay, 
Toward  evei         /int  was  on  the  way. 
Tlu'  poultry  that  can  tind  repose, 
Safe  from  the  fox  and  kindred  foes, 
By  roosting  on  a  friendly  bouii'li. 
Cannot  escape  the  Brownit's  now. 
Said  one,  whose  pai't  it  was  to  l)ear 
A  braee  of 
turkeys,  as 
his  share 


''That  fowl  has  surely  little  wit 

Who  on  a  <dieri'y-tree  will  sit: 

Its  branch  can  be  cut  off  with  ease, 

And  while  it  dreams  of  corn  and  peas, 

The  bird  is  carried  from  the  spot 

A  mile  or  two,  and  knows  it  not. 

We  Ml  not  disturb  the  people  here 

With  lliitterinj;'  sounds,  or  sca-eams  of  fear, 

But  (piietly  along-  the  road 

We  '11  bear  the  i-oost  with  all  its  load, 


THE  BROWNU:;S  IN   NOVEMBER. 

And  thus  peiform  our  part  assijyned 
Witliout  awakiiifi  tlioufjlits  unkind," 
'T  is  little  uso  to  tell  a  wife 
To  jj;uai'd  tlic  ]>anti'y  as  her  life; 
()]•  tell  the  maid  whose  wits  are  slow 
She  uuist  ])e  watchfid,  or  must  go ; 
Beeause  the  Brownies  have  a  way 
To  carry  on  theii'  work  or  jday, 
And  what  they  want  they  soon  receive 
Without  so  nuich  as  "hy  yoiu"  leave." 
But  where  they  visit,  there  they  hless : 
The  household  treasures  t>r()W  no  less, 
And  happy  is  the  home  Avhose  tloor 
The  ]iro\vnie  Itand  has  scampered  o'er. 
All  harmful  things  will  ever  flee 
From  little  ones  who  hcnd  the  knee 
Beside  the  bed  where  Brownies  cn-ep, 
Or  play  their  pranks  while  people  sleep. 
When  one  is  thinking  least  ahout 
The  hand,  they  're  passing  hi  and  out, 
Or  scanning  with  a  watchful  eye 


mmr^^ 


VJ7 


r-   -'«5<^,ji' 


I 


THE   BROWNIES  IN   NOVEJIBER. 

Eacli  motion  made  l)y  people  nigh. 
A  little  noise,  and,  like  a  flash, 
In  wild  alarm,  away  they  dash ! 
A  sneeze,  a  sudden  word,  or  cough. 
And  quick  as  liglitning  they  are  off! 
Perhaps  to  venture  l)aek  no  more 

Until  a  month  has 
circled  o'er. 

In  time  the  rich  supplies 
were  found, 

And  carried  to  the 
trysting-ground  : 

Tlie  poultry  was  not 
lacking  therc^ 
That  fattened  in  Ww  nortliern  air, 
Wliile  ouhers  pi'oved  the  fertile  West 
Was  rich  in  pastry  of  the  l)est. 
The  South  soon  yielded  fruitage  fine, 
From  orchard,  grove,  and  clinging  vine: 
The  orange,  apple,  luscious  grape. 
And  inits  of  every  size  and  shape. 
And  quickly  from  the  eastern  land 
Returned  the  nimhle-footed  hand 
Who,  through  some  ai't  or  method  strange. 
To  more  than  one  large  kitchen  range 
Without  delay  did  entrance  gain. 
And,  as  it  happened,  not  in  vain. 


128 


THE   UKOWNIES  IN  N0VE:«BER. 


It  does  n't  take  tlio  Brownies  long 
To  cook  a  fowl,  it'  notliing  's  wrong, 
Because  there  is  no  ])ickering  there 
Concerning  "overdone"  or  "rare." 
If  wood  is  scar(H',  or  slow  to  burn, 
The  smoke  will  cook  it  to  a  turn ; 
Whatever  piece  the  carvers  send, 
They  do  not  wdiiningly  contend 

For  leg,  or  neck,  or  wing  that  daps, — 
Whatever  fills  the  hungry  gaps 
Will  do;  and  thus,  not  hard  to  please. 
The  Brownies  pass  their  hves  in  ease. 


y 


That  night  the  feast  was  truly  grand : 
Enough  for  all  w^as  there  at  hand; 
And  some  who  thought  that  they  were  through, 
Would  start  again  on  something  new; 
And  the  right  ear  of  many  a  cook 
Glowed  w^arm  that  night  as  they  partook 
Of  pies  and  cakes  of  every  style. 
And  freely  praised  her  skill  the  while. 
It  mattered  not  if  tea  was  cold, 


12  "J 


THE    nJU)WNlJ>'    JN  NOVEJIBER. 


^^'^'^^;^>'i/ 


'^IMIK  Co 


130 


^V^'  ^■^"•■t*-'-" 


THE   HUOWNIEH   IN   NOVEMUEK. 


Or  C'oifee  weak,  or  l)uttor  old, 
Or  broad  was  close  allied  to  doudi, 
No  Browiiio  told  aiiotlicr  so. 
Time  slips  alonj^,  liowo'cr  wo  try- 
To  cliook  the  lioiirs  passinj^  by; 
And  ovoii  Browiiios  cannot  stay 
The  niomonts  as  tlioy  Hit  away; 
And  tliongb  tlio  nigbts  were  gi'owinj,'  long, 
Some  birds  connnoncod  tlieir  morning  song 
Before  tbe  lively  band  was  tbrongb, 
And  from  tbe  ban(|uot-gromid  withdrew. 
It  is  not  often  Brownies  take 
Ui)on  tbemsolvos  to  boil  and  bake, 
Or  gather  up  witb  wondrous  liastt; 
Supplies  to  satisfy  their  taste ; 
But,  wben  they  do,  't  is  safe  to  say 
There  's  not  muoh  left  to  tiirow  away. 


I 


!     i| 


r     !l 


Ai/vit-^  c 


1  "A 


Thougb  boiling  soup  may  spatter  round 
Before  tbe  waiting  plate  is  found. 
And  sonu'  may  even  get  a  burn 
Who  tbiuk  for  soup  it  is  their  turn, 


liii 


THE   HHOWNIES    IN    NOVKAIIU'.U. 


1 


tad)  clay 
adopt  tl)« 

T  P'^Vf 
Te  nglif 


They  liii^'r  round  the  taltlc  still 

Till  every  one  lias  had  his  till. 

But  let  it  he  a  feast  oi-  ride, 

Or  swiui,  oi"  sail  on  waters  wide, 

That  iutert'sts  the  Brownie  kind, 

They  always  keep  the  fact  in  mind 

That  they  must  ii<»t  allow  the  sun 

To  show  his  face  ere  they  ai'e  done 

And  safely  stowed  away  trom  si^ht, 

In  waiting,'  t'oi-  another  ni^ht. 

So,  while  some  tasted  bread  and  pie 

And  eakes  that  well  mi^'lit  jdease  the  eye, 

And  poured  the  tea  and  eotfee  liot 

In  cujjfuls  tVoiH  the  hoilini^'  l>ot. 

Or  gnawed  the  a]»])les  till  they  wore 

An  inroad  to  the  seedy  coi'e. 

And  to  the  hones  ^'ave  ^''t^Jitest  care 

While  still  a  shred  of  meat  was  there, 

Till  there  was  nothing',  hi<>;h  or  low, 

WoTild  yield  fair  picking;  for  a  crow — 

Some  found  a  elianci*  to  tiu'n  their  eyes 

Wlu're  sij^ns  of  day  hef^'aii  to  rise. 

Between  the  l)ites  of  that  rich  feast 

They  cast  quick  glances  to  the  east, 

To  notice  when  the  stars  gi-ew  pale. 

Or  hid  heneath  an  azure  veil; 

And,  though  reluctant  to  withdraw, 

Those  watchful  Br(Avniies  danger  saw. 

And  urged  their  friends  to  quit  the  ground 

While  they  were  spry  to  move  around, 

132 


THE    I5ROWXTKS    IN    NOVI'.MIir.l!. 

Or  vhr  the  sini  would  on  thorn  fall, 
Ami  iiuiko  oxainpU'S  of  them  all. 
In  spite  of  hints  or  waruiiii;-  ••rics, 
Sonio  lin^'cn'd  at  the  cakes  and  ]>i<"s, 
Still  coujitino-  on  tlic  sixH'd  tlwy  M  make 
When  they  at  last  the  road  would  take. 

Then  when  the  pkites  were  clean,  and  they 
No  loni,'er  on  the  si)ot  could  stay, 
They  ci-ossed  the  country  in  a  hurry, 
Tliey  passed  the  houses  Avith  a  ttuii-y. 
As  when  the  h-aves  all  laid  in  <lust 
Are  taken  with  a  sudden  s-ust. 
In  vain  the  watcli-do^  rolle<l  his  eye 
To  note  the  ot),ieets  tleetin^'  l»y: 
Before  a  second  ,ulan<'e  ho  threw. 
The  lively  l)and  was  out  of  view- 
Around  a  l)end,  to  forests  wide, 
Where  every  one  could  safely  hide. 


12 


\M 


TITF.  J^liOWXIKS  IN 
DECEMHKK. 


fields  were  lyinj?  hvown  and  bare, 
Tlic  signs  of  snow  weri^  in  the  air, 
And  in  the  leatless  forest  (hvar 
No  more  the  songsters  ehurmed  the  ear. 
When  cunning  Brownies  met  and  planned 
A  task  well  suited  for  the  ])and. 
Said  one :   ''  Tlie  glorious  day  is  near 
That  is  to  >onng  and  old  so  dear, 
Beeausi'  it  calls  those  truths  to  mind 
The  most  important  to  numkind, 
And  ])rings  to  every  generous  heart 
The  wish  to  take  an  active  part 
In  cheenng  up  th(>  homes  of  all 
With  i)resents,  howsoever  snudl." 
Another  said:   '^Through  all  the  year 
No  iK'tter  season  can  appear 
Tlian  this  for  Brownies  to  comhine. 
And  in  some  no])le  action  shine. 

134 


Bot\\  </oatl| 

ntu(  Alto 

from  (lay 

to  (lay 

Hn.^f  o\\  tin 

sfnge 

n  part  to 

play, 


n\K   JIKctWNIES   IN    DECKMItKlt. 


To  some 
f()t  d.iys  drng 

s'oujiy  hy 
Tomor-s  lil^f 

tijpy  fi^ 


The  fi«'l(]  is  wide,  uh  hU  can  sec ; 

No  Jicillrul  iinns  need   folded   he. 

All  iiic!    till!  |>()oi',  iiiliriu,  jiiid  old, 

P«'i'liiii»s  lack  food,  pcrliaps  iirc  cold; 

And  those  to  whom  the  \v<»ild  j^rows  dai'k, 

While  lin<;ei'H  still  the  vital  si»ai'k, 

With  many  other  people  l»ronjj;ht 

To  misery's  cnp,  may  well  he  tauj,dit 

That  f^oodness,  let  what  may  he  said 

In  contradict  i<    ,  is  not  dead. 

But  to  a  Children's  Home,  near  hy. 

We  will  to-niji^ht  our  thouj;hts  a])ply, 

And  hi  no  weak  or  sparing;  way 

Our  mystic  powx^'s  at  <mce  disjilay; 

For  not  alone  the  Chiistmas  ti'ee 

We  will  supply  Avith  lal)or  free. 

But  ere  we  leave  it  standini,'  there, 

It  shall  the  (dioicest  presents  l)ear 

That  <'an  the  s])arklini>"  eyes  invite. 

Or  till  tlie  heart  with  pure  delijijlit." 

To  learn  the  task  that  nmst  l)e  done — 
Thoujijh  full  of  danfjer  or  of  fun  — 
Is  all  the  Brownies  care  to  know. 
At  once  a  willin^iess  they  show 
To  carry  out  the  scheme  as  planned 
With  every  means  at  their  conuuand. 
As  when  the  sun  throujfli  orchard  trees 
Looks  down  upon  the  waitiuij  heos. 
And  tells  them  folia<?e  now  is  dry, 
And  all  the  l)lossoms  open  lie, — 

135 


««"- 


THE  BllO^YNlES  IN   DECEISIBEll. 

And  quickly  sproadiiif?  in  their  flight, 
They  dart  to  woods  and  meadows  bright,— 
So  Browniies  with  a  sudden  start 
In  all  directions  now  depart. 
Some  to  the  forest  started  out 
To  tind  a  tree  hoth  tall  and  stout, 


i-iW 

To  tind  a  tree  noiu  lau  imu  ^tuut,  4 'r'"^  1  !?■  J- 

That  would  support  the  loads  that  they    pi~^S^-J^4^ 
Intended  on  its  Und^s  to  lay;  ' wf'MWMr 


■  '  --eTV'-Z'" 


I   \y  •■'!"'■' m-,^ 


Wliilo  others  travel(Ml  t<>  the  to^vn 
With  lengthy  lists  all  jotted  down, 

Determined  to  ransack  the  place 
Before  they  homeward  turned  a  face. 
However  well  th(>  doors  were  harrcd 
Or  large  the  "No  A(hnittance"  card. 
And  well  they  carried  out  their  plan. 
As  lu-re  and  there  they  freely  ran 
From  cHUfly  shops,  and  places  where 
They  sought  (me  certain  sort  of  ware. 


lao 


THE  BROWNIES   IN   DECEMBER, 


To  hiY^ev  shops  wliere  they 

could  find 
All  inorcliundisc  of 
cvoiy  kind. 
Up-staii's  and  down,  as 

husinoss  led, 
The  busy  Bi-ownies 

(luickly  sped. 
Said  one,  while  they  were 
on  the  race 
To  lind  some  goods  to  suit  the  case: 
"We  have  n't  tune  sueh  things  to  make 
As  we  require,  so  we  must  tak(> 
What  other  hands  than  ours  have  made 
To  meet  the  gveiit  demands  of  trade; 
But  well  we  know  that  nothing  's  lost. 
However  much  the  things  ma*y  cost; 
For  gr<'at(U'  good  will  surely  flow 
Thi-ough  what  we  take  aiid  what  bestow, 
Than  jteople  think  who  are  content 
To  count  tlu'ii-  profits  cent  by  eent. 


^SSJii^  .'i,'.i'''i"  ;''*iiR*..":,^  —  £•-. 


12" 


Moi'c  ways  than  one  may  Itlessings  fall 
On  worthy  heads  bolh  great  and  small; 


i:i7 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  DECEMBER. 

Th(.  loss  that  causes  tears  and  sigbs 
May  prove  a  lilessing  in  dispiise. 
We  better  know  where  everythmg 
Will  iii-eatest  good  and  pleasure  bring 
Than'those  who  daily  tax  the  brain 
At  bargaimng  for  private  gain. 
We  Brownies  neither  l>uy  nor  sell, 
But  give  and  take,  yet  prosper  well, 
And  muse  how  little  people  know 
Where  next  our  handiwork  will  show." 
In  time  th<'  scattered  Bi'ownies  met 
Those  who  had  gone  the  gifts  to  get, 
And  those  whose  task  it  was  to  fell 
A  Christmas  tre(>  to  hold  them  well. 
Rewarded  with  a  ])rize,  ere  long 
Returned,  well  pleased,  the  axmen  strong; 
Tlie  tree  was  promptly  hoisted  there. 
And  tirmly  lixed  with  greatest  care, 
Until  it  stood  as  when  it  strove 
To  overlook  th(>  silent  grove. 
Then  work  was  found  for  evt>ry  hand: 
The  ladtlers  soon  were  in  demand, 
And  whatsoever  would  unite 
With  something  else  to  l>uild  a  height 
On  whicii  to  elind)  and  reacli  around 
Till  every  In-anch  its  biu'den  found. 
Saiil  (.ne :   "  .My  friends,  we  s(«ldom  find 
A  task  so  pleasing  U>  the  mind; 
When  work  for  children  's  under  way, 
How  does  the  liand  its  skill  dis]»lay  ! 


THE  BEOWNIES  IN   DECEJVnJER. 


Then  eveiy  sound  to  niusio  tnnis, 

And  every  thonglit  witli  kindness  Imrns, 

Delig-litM  task!  to  thus  Ix'tVicnd 

The  orphans  as  the  year  we  end. 

I  Avould  not  miss  this  niglit  of  toil 

For  greatest  sport,  or  sweetest  spoil 

That  in  a  pantry  can  ])e  stored 

To  grace  some  rich  man's  dainty  ):oard. 

I  fancy  I  can  see  the  eyes 

Of  children  widen  witli  snrprise, 

And  see  tlie  smiles  extend  so  wide 

From  cheek  to  cheek  when  this  is  spied, 

And  they  learn  not  a  single  tot 

In  all  the  jtlace  lias  l)eeii  forgot. 

For  l)()vs — the  guns,  the  skates  and  l)ats; 

For  L      the  dolls  and  rul)l)er  eats, 

The  ])o<iks.  the  tn\     and  fancy  thinu> 
That  Christnia     ,'>  the  mai'ket  hrings; 
And  candy,  coloi'ed  red  in  slivaks. 
To  sweeten  all  their  teeth  for  we.ks." 
But  hattles  are  not  alway>  won 
By  those  who  have  the  light  Ix'gun; 
And  thoiigli  our  good  intentions  may 
Be  such  as  no  on(>  should  ffaitiMiy, 
We  may  hy  trials  he  <listi^    -ed. 
As  if  our  cause  was  not  the  hest. 
So  Brownies  did  not  pass  the  night 
Without  misha])s  that  caused  them  fright ; 
Some  kuhlers  of  the  greatest  length 

Wei-e  lacking  in  tlie  ])roper  strength 

l;t!i 


:.*t 


THE   BKOWNIES  IN   DECEMBEK. 

To  hoiiv  tlio  orowd  that  clamhorod  higli, 
Thoiv  gifts  ui)()ii  a  braiK'li  to  tie; 
Or  down  would  eoiue  some  rude  affair 
On  wliieh  they  stood  to  do  their  share; 
And  round  tlie  floor  the  presents  rolled 
Tliat  at  the  time  they  chanced  to  hold. 
Some  toys  received  distressing  whacks, 
That  gave  tlieni  l)roken  hnihs  or  hacks. 
By  coming  down  from  gi'catest  height, 
'Mid  (;andy,  horns,  and  weapons  hright, 
Some  costly  works  were  shaken  loose. 
That  were  not  mad(>  for  roughest  use. 
The  l)i'avest  heaiis  were  filled  with  dread, 
As  something  crashed  high  overhead; 
And  it  was  dangerous  to  thi'ow 
A  glance  ahove,  the  cause  to  know. 

Here  crashed  a  doll,  in  spit(^  of  care, 

And  there  a  goat  or  cotton  hare; 

Down  whirling  through  tiie  branches  fell 

The  felt -made  elei»liant  as  well, 

With  wiggling  trunk,  a  gl;issy  stare. 

And  sawdust  spouting  from  a  tear. 

To  roll  ahout,  as  if  in  pain 

Upon  some  sun-dried  Asian  |)lain. 

But  then  the  BrimTiies'  skill  suhlime 

Stood  them  in  hand  at  such  a  time: 

A  tap,  a  twist,  a  shake  or  two, 

And  hrokeu  things  were  good  as  nt'W. 

The  watch  its  ticking  would  resume. 

Though  wheels  had  scattered  rouiul  the  room; 

140 


LLIU 


THE  BllOWNIEH 


^,      IN  1)1X'J;JI]5EK. 


The  shattered  hmhs 

of  (lolls  were  set 
By  those  who  first 

the  patient  met; 
And  ull  u  surgeon's 

skill  was  shown 
In  niakinjj;  splints  to 

mend  each  hone, 


1 1 1 


r 


THE  BROWNIES  IN   DECEMBER. 

Till  on  the  in  '  they  took  their  plaee, 
Without  ii  liiHi>  or  loss  of  grace. 
At  times  iiiisini(lerstiui(linss  rose, 
And  comrades  almost  came  to  blows, 
When  some  an  injury  received, 
Or  were  at  rash  remark  aggrieved; 
But  calmer  friends  would  claim  the,  tioor, 
And  words  like  these  would  peace  restore 
"  Be  careful  of  yom-  hand,  my  friend. 
And  let  it  not  in  wrath  descend; 
For  oftentimes  a  liasty  blow 
Has  caused  the  striker  lifelong  woe, 
And  broken  fritnidship's  silver  chain, 
To  mend  which  many  strive  in  vain." 
Lik(>  cunning  squirrels  when  they  try 
To  hide  away  a  good  supply 
Of  nuts,  to  serve  for  winter's  store 
When  generous  autumn  is  no  more. 
Some  actiN-e  Brownies,  spm-ning  all 
The  chairs  and  ladders,  dared  to  crawl 
From  limb  to  limb,  with  actions  l)old 
And  hands  that  sehhmi  lost  their  hold. 
Till  to  the  brittle  top 

they  passed, 
And  tied  the  Christmas 

presents  fast. 
Ho  work  went  on,  as  it 
must  go 
When  Brownies  all  united 
throw 


r 


I 


THE  BKOWNIES  IN  DECIEMliElJ. 

Their  (laiiiig  skill  and 

mystic  power 
Into  the  laltor  of 

the  hour. 
'T  is  hard  to  tell  or 

paint  aright 
Their  acts  that  long 

December  night 
Upon  one  page,  however  wide, 
So  pen  and  pencil  must  subside. 
But  those  who  know  the  Brownie  l)and 
May  well  l)elieve  no  idle  hand 
Wa«  resting  ther(>,  that  had  a  chance 
The  undertaking  to  advance. 
One,  nnming  (mt  one  time  to  spy 
If  signs  of  day  were  in  the  sky, 
Mistook  tlie  northern  lights  in  play 
For  early  hints  of  morning  gi-ay : 
80  with  the  false  alann  he  ran. 
And  almost  overthrew  their  plan. 
Indeed  the  work  was  scarcely  more 

Than  half-way  through,  when  at  the  door 
The  rogui'  appeared  with  such  a  shout 
Tiiat  every  Brownie  faced  a])out. 
The  ti'ee  was  nearly  ovei'tnrned 
Befoi'e  his  strange  mistake  was  learned; 
But  neither  slij),  nor  fall,  nor  break 
dm  make  the  Brownie  l)an(l  forsake 
A  task  their  willing  han<ls  may  tind, 

Till  they  are  satisjied  in  mind. 
u;.i 


Upo'l  your  guard 
\>e  found 

For  snf.in  13 
unbound. 


THE  BROWNIES   IN   DECEMBER. 

So  tlu'iv  they  clinilxMl  ulxmt,  and  tied 
The  handsoiuo  j-'ifts  on  every  side, 
And  piled  some  tlunt-s  around  the  base 
That  were  too  lari-e  to  han^'  in  plaee. 
Wlien  every  chiUl  that  shind)ered  there 
Was  sure  to  have  its  proper  share, 
Did  one  remark,  with  native  pride: 
"Tlie  task  lias  niueh  (mr  patience  tried. 
But  still  tins  thouuht  the  heart  revives— 
We  've  l)ri,i'hteniMl  many  children's  lives/'^ 
And  when  the  ^vork  at  last  was  throu^di. 
And  Brownies  from  the  place  withdrew, 
They  h'ft,  indeed,  a  (^n-istmas  tree 
That  made  the  children  shout  with  glee. 


Til  1'  il.vyi. 
,10(1  ruttiils. 
Htt ))  crouulin^ 

SO 

T||ty  really 

Ij  o  I-  c  0  n  c 

don't  you 

hn  ouj. 


00  A 

^^   AND     : 

0NLY^|Z5 

PjP«eep/ 

WMATIS^^ 

SM^OURHE/IRT 

R  IGHt/^ 

^      LIQHT 

U4 


